„Ball machine“ Pavlovic: From talent to control center at FC Bayern | OneFootball

Aleksandar Pavlovic has long been more than just a promising home-grown talent at FC Bayern. The 21-year-old has finally established himself at the heart of the record champions this season – and is impressing not only with his consistency, but also with his outstanding numbers. For Lothar Matthäus, the midfielder is now even a candidate for very big comparisons

„Pavlovic is a ball machine,“ enthused Matthäus recently, adding that he exudes enormous confidence, is always able to get involved offensively and also has a powerful long-range shot. Three goals in 19 Bundesliga games underline this development – two more than in the entire previous season

Pavlovic made another statement in the 3:2 win against Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition to his goal, he impressed with a pass rate of 95 per cent. According to Opta, he ranks second among all Bundesliga professionals with at least 500 minutes of action in terms of successful passes per 90 minutes – only Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia has a better figure

Figures of a leading player

Pavlovic is also one of the top players in terms of ball action per game. With 112 actions per game, he ranks third in the league – behind Garcia and Joshua Kimmich. His pass rate of 95% puts him fourth overall and first among midfielders. Compared to last season, the Munich-born player has improved in almost all statistical categories

Vincent Kompany particularly emphasized Pavlovic’s defensive development: „He’s a playful six-man who gets the ball,“ the Bayern coach emphasized, praising Pavlovic’s progress in counter-pressing and winning the ball

Matthäus is certain: „Pavlovic is an important player – at Bayern and in the national team.“ The record international had already drawn a remarkable comparison in January: „Pavlovic has something of Toni Kroos.“

World Cup as a major goal

However, the path there was not a straightforward one. Pavlovic missed the 2024 European Championships at home due to the after-effects of an infection. Last season, a collarbone fracture and glandular fever slowed him down. This season, he also had to play with a mask at times following a fracture in his eye socket

But Pavlovic fought his way back – and how. He was in the starting eleven for the national team in each of the last four international matches last year. The World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in the summer is the clear goal

„For me, he’s a permanent fixture at Bayern and in the national team,“ Matthäus made clear. At club level, Pavlovic is aiming for his third championship, while internationally he is dreaming of the big time. His development suggests that this dream is anything but unrealistic.