Young star eyeing Bayern Munich debut this season
The attacking players at Bayern Munich have been in fine form this season. Vincent Kompany has been rotating well in the attack and getting the best out of most forwards. Nestory Irankunda is also hoping to contribute to Die Roten’s attack later this season.
The Australian winger arrived in Munich during the summer transfer window after impressing for Adelaide United over the last two seasons. Bayern moved swiftly last season to complete a deal for Irankunda before other European clubs joined the race for his signature.
Irankunda has been training with the first team since arriving in Bavaria during the summer transfer window. However, the teenager has got minutes on the pitch for the reserves team. As things stand, the plan for Irankunda is to get as much game time with the reserves while training with the first team.
Despite not playing for the first team at Bayern, Irankunda has been part of the Australian senior team over the last few international breaks. The teenager played for Australia against China during the international break. He didn’t come off the bench against Japan this week. The 18-year-old is getting good exposure at the international level.
While talking to AAP Sport during the international break, Irankunda outlined his targets for the season at Bayern.
"I’ll hopefully be on the bench at least – it’s gonna be a great achievement for me. I’m training with the first team every day, so I’m learning new things every day as well. So hopefully I get a chance soon. Just the same that I always do – go back, work hard, perform, try and get minutes. "
- Nestory Irankunda
Bayern’s recent record with youngsters bodes well for Nestory Irankunda
Bayern Munich are well stacked in the attack, which makes it difficult for a young forward to get game time. However, Die Roten’s recent record with the integration of younger players into the senior team should give hope to Irankunda. They have successfully integrated Aleksandar Pavlović, Jamal Musiala, and Josip Stanišić into the first team over the last four seasons.
Kompany is a brave coach when it comes to the style of football he wants to implement at Bayern. The Belgian coach has backed younger players throughout his brief coaching career. Irankunda can certainly count on Kompany to give him meaningful game time later in the season if he impresses the Belgian in training.
Moreover, the increase in the number of games due to the Club World Cup and the new format of the Champions League opens opportunities for Bayern to give opportunities to younger players on the biggest stage.
Irankunda will be training with the senior team on Friday as Bayern Munich prepare for the Bundesliga clash against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. The Bavarian club is leading the Bundesliga points table, but they are on a winless run of three games across all competitions. Kompany will expect a response from his team in front of a packed Allianz Arena on Saturday.