After the shock, the solution: Kimmich’s failure hits Bavaria to the core

Who will replace Joshua Kimmich? The monster of the FC Bayern Munich mentality is expected to disappear until January after his knee operation. Few colleagues have the qualities to take Kimmich’s place. The most promising overall package is provided by someone who is about to take off.

A column

since Steffen meyer

Was the low point of a very successful night for FC Bayern. When Joshua Kimmich was injured during the record championship match at Borussia Dortmund in the 36th minute after attempting to attack Erling Haaland, it quickly became clear that it had to be serious. Kimmich rarely stays in bed for long, he’s tough and only missed three games at Bayern in five years.

Now Kimmich will be missing for the moment. Kimmich was already on Sunday successfully operated on the right external meniscus. Hansi Flick and Jogi Löw, who had Kimmich firmly planned for the next Nations League games, now have to reschedule. FC Bayern takes over that Kimmich can intervene again in January.

Kimmich as a fixed point in the Flick system

This is an extremely difficult task, especially for Flick. Kimmich is on his game an absolute fixed point in central midfield and not actually replace. He also doesn’t have Toni Kroos or Ilkay Gündogan on the roster as the national coach, who can make up for the failure in the next few players a bit more easily.

Flick has established an extremely complex and meticulously coordinated system in Munich. Kimmich is the anchor of this system. The extremely strong six keeps the risky pressure from Munich togetherbecause it runs a lot and therefore closes many gaps from behind with some risk.

With the ball, Kimmich enjoys a lot of freedom. He likes to fall back on the chain so he can start from there. At the same time, he appeared again and again in the opponent’s penalty area, moved the ball into the outer lane or closed his strong right foot himself from a distance. Two goals and seven assists in nine competitive games are outstanding for a central midfielder. With almost 70 passes per game, he has the greatest influence of all Bayern players on the ball possession game. All of that is gone. It seems clear: Bayern’s game will change as a result. At first glance, a complete package like Kimmich does not include any of the logical alternatives.

Tolisso or Roca?

Flick brought against Dortmund Corentin Tolisso for Kimmich. The Frenchman, who has not yet managed to win at FC Bayern, will probably be the first after the impressions of the last weeks first choice for Kimmich representation. The current season in Munich is decisive for Tolisso. The record champions invested more than € 40 million in the robust midfielder three years ago.

Flick has already gone to great lengths in recent weeks to give Tolisso opportunities. Tolisso is a type of player similar to Leon Goretzka. He has a lot of dynamism and is a good challenger. He is not a strategist like Kimmich. Together with Goretzka it’s even a bit redundant.

It is conceivable that both of you act more often in the same vein as a double six to support each other. That was something that could be seen over and over again against Dortmund. However, that takes something away from the Munich game. Fast in high areas, in which the Munich team with its staggered Kimmich / Goretzka / Müller midfield formation repeatedly achieves ball victories.

A classic six as a possible replacement for Kimmich would be there Marc Roca, who reached the transfer deadline from Barcelona, ​​also ready. Roca is a classic 6, more defensive, who has his strengths in positional play and in winning the ball. But Roca is still getting used to Munich’s extremely fast and complex game.

So far, Espanyol Barcelona’s new entry has only had a brief spell against 1. FC Köln and a starting eleven in the DFB Cup against Düren. Flick had already asked Roca for patience last week, referring to the previously short training time for the 23-year-old in Munich. Kimmich’s offensive drive goes from Roca. He will definitely have opportunities in the phase until Christmas. Tolisso currently seems to have the upper hand.

With Javi martinez there is another alternative available. Flick used the Spaniard, who now appears to be in better hands in central defense, but so far only as a joker to ensure results. He can also look forward to more playing time in the coming weeks. At this stage in his career, he can hardly meet the high running and playing demands of a low 6 flick in the long run.

Is Alaba the solution?

Besides Tolisso and Roca, there is one more Joker Flick should think hard over the next few days. Because if you look closely at the requirement profile in all six and Kimmich’s strength profile, there is another Bayern player for the position: David Alaba.

Read also: Why David Alaba didn’t tell the truth about his contract charade

The Austrian, who now appears almost exclusively as a central defender, they complemented each other excellently with Kimmich in recent months and he plays the part as a half back almost like a six anyway.

Alaba often moves away to intercept balls or to support pressure. At the same time, he leads the game from the middle of the left field and always plays very vertically. It is very easy to imagine that you can implement the same qualities a little later.

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Davie’s injury complicates the situation

For years there has been talk in Munich about that Alaba would like to move to central midfield anywayto have even more influence in the game. He has often been in action here for the Austrian national team. However, it is speculated whether such a step could alleviate the current situation completely confused about the future of Alaba.

To make things worse Alphonso Davies’ injury, the Lucas Hernandez in the left-back position in the coming weeks. He’ll be needed there until Davies returns in a few weeks and he won’t be able to get in if Alaba moves to midfield. There would still be a strong alternative in central defense with Niklas Süle.

In my opinion, Alaba is one-on-one the best replacement for the irreplaceable Kimmich, at least if Flick wants to continue his risky but successful game of recent months without Kimmich. It is definitely worth a try at this stage of the season.

Teaserbild: © Image Pictures / WITTERS