Takeaways from matchday three as Bayern Munich rout Holstein Kiel

Palhinha-Kimmich midfield pivot provides balance to team

Kompany handed first Bundesliga start to João Palhinha on Saturday. The Portuguese midfielder was paired with Joshua Kimmich in the center of the park. Palhinha delivered a good performance, keeping the play ticking in the midfield.

Kimmich complemented Palhinha well by dictating the tempo of the game. The German midfielder completed more than 100 passes and won possession in the midfield third to great effect. Kimmich also created four chances, ticking all the boxes for an ideal performance as a number eight.

Meanwhile, Palhinha did the bulk of defensive work in the midfield. He completed four defensive actions and made two crucial recoveries. Palhinha was also efficient on the ball, completing 93% of his passes, which included 15 passes in the final third.

Kompany is spoiled for options in the midfield. Aleksandar Pavlovic is going to play an important role for Bayern, but right now, the midfield pairing of Palhinha and Kimmich provides solid balance to the team. Bigger tests lie ahead for the midfield duo, but the Bavarian faithful will be pleased with what they saw against Holstein Kiel.