The new Kimmich? Bischof impresses at FC Bayern | OneFootball

Tom Bischof is increasingly developing into one of the most exciting players in the FC Bayern squad. The 20-year-old is now not only reminiscent of Joshua Kimmich in sporting terms – his mentality and clear manner are also attracting a lot of attention internally

After Munich’s 1:0 win in Wolfsburg, Bischof was suddenly the center of attention due to his unusually open statements about the record champions‘ current defensive problems

„We just don’t do the little basics anymore and this counter-pressing immediately after losing the ball. We’ve been lacking that recently,“ explained the U21 international on Sky

Bischof was addressing precisely the issues that have been the subject of intense discussion around FC Bayern since their Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain

Bischof recalls Kimmich

Above all, the manner of his analysis immediately reminded many observers of Joshua Kimmich. The Bayern captain is also regarded as a player who openly addresses problems and takes responsibility. It is precisely these qualities that are now apparently also recognizable in Bischof

The youngster continued his analysis: „That’s why we always make these long runs – they’re unnecessary. When we play fast counter-pressing, we’ve scored a brutal number of goals this season.“

Clear words that were largely well received by fans and experts. Coach Vincent Kompany was less pleased with the statements in public, however. The Belgian reacted in an unusually direct manner after the game. „He’s a young player and he made a mistake in this interview,“ explained the Bayern coach

Nevertheless, Kompany also made it clear how much he thinks of Bischof: „He’s a great kid.“

Flexibility as a big plus

photo: Getty Images

In sporting terms, Bischof is increasingly reminiscent of the current DFB captain anyway. The former Hoffenheim player has already been deployed in several positions this season – as a six, eight, ten and in both full-back positions

It was precisely this versatility that made Joshua Kimmich so valuable under Pep Guardiola

Interesting: Kimmich himself drew a comparison with his own early days in Munich back at the start of April

„In general, Tom’s situation reminds me of my own eleven years ago,“ said the international at the time. „Before the season, nobody thought you could be important for a team like Bayern Munich.“

The similarities now go far beyond flexibility. Like Kimmich, Bischof is also regarded as an extremely intelligent player with a strong passing game, good understanding of the game and a great mentality

Internally, his teammates even rave about his finishing. According to reports, Bischof has the second-best shot in the FC Bayern squad – just behind Harry Kane

Kimmich himself recently praised the youngster’s attitude in particular: „With Tom, you noticed straight away that he has a good mindset, a good mentality.“

Bayern see great leadership potential

FC Bayern have long believed that Bischof has a bright future ahead of him, with the midfielder already making 36 appearances in his first season – exactly the same number that Kimmich made in his debut season with the record champions

Bischof himself is now open about the comparisons. „I’ve heard the comparison a few times,“ he said after his move to Munich. „Jo is an outstanding footballer. I look up to him. And I do believe that we have a similar style of play.“

It seems clear that a player is currently growing up at FC Bayern who could have what it takes to be the new leader in terms of both sport and character.