What about Laimer and Goretzka as competition for Pavlovic?
Compared to Pavlovic, Laimer is more of a box-to-box midfielder than the youngster. And in that regard, he is capable of providing more leg work. At 27, Laimer is in his prime and along with being able to cover more ground than Pavlovic he also offers more physicality.
Depending on the opposition or the in-game situation, the Austrian international may at times be the better option.
Leon Goretzka was completely left out of the match-day squad against Ulm by Kompany. This decision by the coach was another clear reminder to the 29-year-old veteran to further consider a departure from Bavaria. Despite the current writing on the wall Goretzka, for the most part, is intent on staying at the club and fighting for his place in the squad, at least until the January transfer window.
Goretzka was subjected to harsh criticism last season from both former coach Thomas Tuchel and some of the fans. Despite the criticism, he came up with some impressive performances in big games, most notably against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg. If Goretzka and Bayern don’t part ways during the current transfer window, he can still potentially be of benefit to the club.