Bayern Munich: Top Performers from 3-0 win against Hoffenheim

Bundesliga action resumed on Friday with Bayern Munich hosting Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena. Hearts would have been particularly heavy in Munich following the passing of, club legend and one of world-football’s all-time greats, Franz Beckenbauer just five days earlier. In what was a more-competitive game than the final 3-0 scoreline suggested, the following three players stood out for Die Roten.

Jamal Musiala

Jamal Musiala paved the way for Bayern’s victory with the first two goals of the game. His first goal was fired in, from the right side of the box, with laser-like precision despite the difficult angle.

Early in the second half, he was unlucky to see his superb long-range effort cannon off the upright. Musiala looked in terrific touch throughout the match. For his second goal, he did the spade-work as the number 10 with some clever dribbling before linking up with Leroy Sane to round off the play with a simple tap-in. On another day, he would likely have had a hattrick. Coach Thomas Tuchel would no doubt be looking forward to similar performances from the young German international throughout the Ruckrunde.

Manuel Neuer

For the first 60-odd minutes of the game, Manuel Neuer was having a fairly comfortable evening. However, for a crucial three-minute span commencing in minute 63, he was at his brilliant best between the uprights. He first showed great reflexes to save a header from point-blank range. Roughly a minute later, he was alert to come off his line and divert a shot from the attacker who was clean through toward the goal.

The nerve-racking three-minute period came to an end with Neuer standing tall and doing just enough to put the attacker off resulting in a goal kick as the shot made contact with the top side of the crossbar before going out of play. The sweeper-keeper’s heroics during that phase of play were key to preserving what was at the time just a one-goal lead.

Alphonso Davies

Since the disappointing showing against Frankfurt in December, Alphonso Davies has looked more like the Davies that Bayern fans have grown accustomed to over the last few seasons.

Against Hoffenheim, the Canadian international was arguably the best defender on the pitch. He defended well, having won six of his nine ground duels. Davies was also superb in getting up and down the left side. He was a reliable outlet in building play out from the back and provided width in attack down the flank. Despite frequently playing high up the pitch, he was alert to his defensive duties. His activity and tackling were key components of Bayern’s domination as reflected in his 133 touches which was the highest individual tally amongst all Bayern players (stats courtesy sofascore.com).