New Bayern signing Hiroki Ito could be deployed at left-back
By Tom Vinall
Per TZ München, depending on the situation at the end of the transfer window, new Bayern Munich signing Hiroki Ito is either to replace Alponso Davies, or compete with him for the starting spot at left-back.
The report claims that Ito fits the role well in Vincent Kompany's dominant style of play with his "excellent passing game", and that his style is similar to that of Nathan Ake's, who has played as a left-back for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City on several occasions. It is also being said that Ake himself had been on Bayern's list.
Ito had a very impressive season at VfB Stuttgart in the team that pipped Bayern to second place. The Japan international, and fellow defender Waldemar Anton have already left Stuttgart, with the latter joining Borussia Dortmund.
Not only is Ito capabale of playing both in central defense and at left-back, but back in June, he was subbed on at half-time of a World Cup qualifier at left wing-back for Japan against Syria and registered an assist. This sort of versatility and quality can be a real benefit for Bayern this season as they look to regain their Bundesliga crown.
At 25, Ito is at an age where he has plenty of experience, including three years in the Bundesliga, but also where his best years are ahead of him, and he can develop and grow even more. The signing also weakens an opponent, who as mentioned above, finished above Bayern in the league last season.
With the later than usual Bundesliga start this year (August 23rd), Vincent Kompany has plenty of time to get Ito and everyone else familiar with what he wants from the team this season. That said, the sooner the Alphonso Davies saga is over, the better for everyone involved so that the club can move forward with clarity.
If Davies stays, there is the possibility that he plays as the left-back, and Ito as a central defender. It also can't be ruled out that Kompany plays Ito as the left-back, and Davies further forward on the wing, where he scored that screamer against Real Madrid last season.
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