From benchwarmer to key player? Here’s how Kompany plans to use Tom Bischof | OneFootball

Tom Bischof could be on the verge of his definitive breakthrough at FC Bayern. Following his strong debut season, the 21-year-old is expected to take on even more responsibility under Vincent Kompany and see significantly more playing time in the future.

With the signings of Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, FC Bayern has strategically strengthened its roster. At the same time, the departures of Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guerreiro are opening up new opportunities for other players—most notably for Tom Bischof.

As reported by *kicker*, coach Vincent Kompany plans to give the German national team player a significantly larger role in the coming season.

Bischof is expected to benefit from the departures

Bischof already gained plenty of experience in his first season in Munich. The 21-year-old played a total of 39 competitive matches, logging just under 1,700 minutes of playing time.

That number is likely to rise significantly in the new season. This is due to the departures of Leon Goretzka and Raphael Guerreiro, who together played more than 3,500 minutes last season.

According to *kicker*, Bischof is expected to take on a large portion of this newly available playing time, thereby taking the next step in his development.

First alternative behind Kimmich and Pavlovic

Photo: Getty Images

It has long been an open secret within the club that Vincent Kompany thinks highly of Bischof. The DFB international’s versatility, in particular, makes him a valuable asset to the Bayern coach.

Bischof can not only play in central midfield but also fill in on the left side of defense when needed. This versatility gives Kompany additional options as the season progresses.

According to information from *kicker*, Bischof is currently the first alternative behind the central midfield duo of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Squad planning also works in his favor. According to consistent media reports, returnee Noel Aseko could leave FC Bayern for Eintracht Frankfurt, which would further reduce the competition in central midfield.

Everything therefore points to Bischof taking on significantly more responsibility in the 2026–27 season and establishing himself permanently as a key option in the record champion’s first-team roster.