Lahm warns of 'Musiala problem': return could upset Bayern's balance | OneFootball

Bayern legend Philipp Lahm warns: The return of Jamal Musiala could become a real challenge for Bayern despite their winning streak, especially for head coach Vincent Kompany.

16 games, 16 wins – FC Bayern is currently racing from record to record under Vincent Kompany. Following the 2-1 victory at the reigning Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain, there is pure euphoria in Munich. But Bayern legend Philipp Lahm warns: The imminent return of Jamal Musiala could even destabilize the current balance in the team.

Lahm: “Will it succeed in integrating him beneficially?”

In his column in the ZEIT, the 2014 World Cup winner writes: “It will be interesting when Jamal Musiala returns healthy. The team stands without his involvement and plays excellently. At the moment, everything is geared towards Kane, who rewards this with goals.”

The former captain poses the crucial question: “Will it succeed in integrating him beneficially, or will this weaken Bayern’s clarity? A team is known to be successful only when it is more than the sum of its individual parts.”

Lahm means that due to Musiala’s absence, Bayern was forced to find creative solutions – and did so with great success.

Kane, Gnabry, and Díaz shape the new Bayern game

Photo: IMAGO

Since Musiala’s injury, Kane has especially developed into a pivotal playmaker. The Englishman no longer acts just as a classic center-forward but often drops back to initiate attacks himself. His record: 22 goals and 3 assists in 16 competitive matches.

Behind him, Serge Gnabry has found a new role. After a difficult previous season, the 30-year-old is now almost indispensable in Kompany’s starting lineup. He has been on the pitch in 14 out of 16 games, collecting 4 goals and 4 assists.

And then there is Luis Díaz, the summer signing from Liverpool. The Colombian impresses with 10 goals and 5 assists – and is firmly established on the left wing.

Competition as an opportunity – or risk?

When Musiala returns from his ankle injury, the competition in the offensive area is expected to become even fiercer. Especially Gnabry and Díaz will have to fight for their places – and Kane could also be more involved in his free role again.

Whether this internal pressure makes Bayern even stronger or endangers the current ease remains to be seen. The fact is: Lahm recognizes the great luxury Kompany currently has – but also the risk associated with the return of the skilled technician.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.