FIFA expert praises Kimmich: Bayern star sets a new trend at the World Cup | OneFootball

Joshua Kimmich is impressing at the World Cup not only as captain of the German national team. A FIFA expert even sees the Bayern pro as a role model for an important tactical trend.

Joshua Kimmich has been one of the defining players for FC Bayern and the German national team for years. At the World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, the 31-year-old is once again in the spotlight. Now, the DFB captain is receiving special praise from a prominent source.

Jon Dahl Tomasson, who serves as an official tactical expert for FIFA, sees Kimmich as a prime example of modern developments in the full-back position. In an interview with SID, the former Danish national team player explained that more and more fullbacks are not only working defensively but are also actively shaping the play in the center.

“There is definitely this trend, which has been observable for some time now and which we could also see at the World Cup. Kimmich has already done this very well in the past,” said Tomasson.

The Bayern Munich pro is described as a player who, when in possession, repeatedly joins the action in midfield and creates additional numerical advantages there. It is precisely this flexibility that is now considered one of the most important elements of modern playing systems.

Kimmich as a role model for modern fullbacks

Photo: Getty Images

Tomasson is part of FIFA’s “Technical Study Group” during the World Cup. The team of experts analyzes all 104 matches of the tournament and evaluates current developments in international soccer.

In addition to the former forward, the group includes Jürgen Klinsmann and former Dortmund player Otto Addo, among others. The experts are supported by extensive data evaluations and modern analytical tools.

Tomasson is particularly impressed by Kimmich’s understanding of the game. The 49-year-old referenced a well-known quote by Dutch coaching legend Johan Cruyff.

“I think Johan Cruyff put it very aptly. He said that when you have the ball, there’s also a way to defend it,” Tomasson explained.

The statement underscores precisely those qualities that have distinguished Kimmich for years. The Bayern star combines control of the game, passing accuracy, and tactical intelligence with a high work rate. As a result, he shapes the play of both FC Bayern and the German national team.

While Germany hopes for a successful World Cup campaign, one of FIFA’s leading experts already sees Kimmich as one of the players who embody current tactical developments at the highest level.