From backup to key player: Stanisic is becoming increasingly important for Bayern | OneFootball

Josip Stanisic is emblematic of the quiet development at FC Bayern. While controversial refereeing decisions were discussed after the 3-2 win against Borussia Dortmund, it was almost forgotten who had provoked these scenes in the first place. It was Stanisic, who caused constant unrest with his advances down the right flank

Twice he was only stopped by Nico Schlotterbeck for an irregularity. Once there was a possible sending off, later the 25-year-old took the penalty, which Harry Kane converted to make it 2:2. Time and again Stanisic marched along the line, even pressing BVB keeper Gregor Kobel deep in his half. A performance that impressively underlined his development

Offensive drive as a new trademark

Stanisic has long been regarded as a defensively stable full-back with roots in central defense. Under Vincent Kompany, he is now experiencing a remarkable reinvention. He has already scored eight times this season – twice as many as in his four previous seasons at FCB combined

Sporting director Christoph Freund is delighted: „He’s getting better and better as a footballer, is becoming more and more confident going forward and is very active.“ Stanisic does indeed look much more confident in possession, looks for one-on-one situations and consistently gets involved in attacking play

At the same time, he remains pragmatic. After the penalty against Dortmund, he conceded that he could have run on. „But the chances are higher that Harry will take it from the spot,“ he explained with a smile. A sign of game intelligence – and team thinking

Defensively still at top level

photo: IMAGO

Remarkably, his attacking prowess does not come at the expense of his defending. Against BVB, Stanisic won the ball seven times, won all five of his tackles and had a strong tackle rate of 73 per cent – figures that underline why Kompany can hardly do without him at the moment

With Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito injured and Sacha Boey on loan, Stanisic’s flexibility is worth its weight in gold. He can play on both flanks and also help out in the center if necessary

As a home-grown talent from the campus, he also fulfils a strategic desire of the club management. „He has the leadership player in him,“ says Freund. The successful loan to Leverkusen, crowned with the double, has further strengthened his standing

Stanisic looks mature, hungry and ready for more responsibility. If he continues on his path, he will not only become indispensable in sporting terms – but also a face of this new Bayern generation.