„Great game intelligence!“: Kompany raves about Bayern all-rounder Stanisic | OneFootball

Josip Stanisic is currently experiencing a strong phase at FC Bayern. While attacking stars such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz are regularly in the spotlight, the Croatian international has recently developed into an important factor in the background. Coach Vincent Kompany had words of praise for the versatile defender ahead of the Bundesliga top match against Bayer Leverkusen

Saturday’s match at the BayArena has a special significance for Stanisic, as the 25-year-old returns to his former club. The defender was loaned out to Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023/24 season, where he and coach Xabi Alonso celebrated the German championship and won the DFB Cup

Stanisic has now firmly re-established himself at FC Bayern – and has also recently attracted attention in sporting terms. The Croatian delivered an outstanding performance in the convincing 6:1 away win against Atalanta Bergamo in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. He scored a goal himself and set up another goal. He was named in UEFA’s Team of the Week for his performance

Kompany emphasizes Stanisic’s game intelligence

Before the clash with Leverkusen, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany spoke at length about the development of his defender. The Belgian also spoke about an exchange with a former Bayern professional. „It wasn’t so long ago that Ivica Olic, the Croatian assistant and U21 national team coach, was here. We had a bit of an exchange about Stanisic,“ explained Kompany

According to Kompany, Olic was particularly impressed by the quality of the Bayern professional: „He said that it was incredible for Croatia that they have a full-back of this quality who can defend on the left and right.“

But that’s not all: Stanisic can not only play on both flanks, but can also help out in the center of defence. „He doesn’t just play well as a full-back, but also as a central defender. That has a lot to do with his intelligence,“ emphasized Kompany

Flexible and underrated

It is precisely this versatility that makes Stanisic particularly valuable for Munich. In the current season, the Croatian has already played twelve times at right-back, 13 times at left-back and twice at center-back

Regardless of his position, he has usually impressed with solid performances and reliable defensive work, while Stanisic also provides offensive impetus – as was impressively demonstrated in the recent game in Bergamo

In addition to his tactical flexibility, Kompany highlighted another strength that is often underestimated: „He’s actually really quick, but a lot of people don’t see that.“

For Kompany, the defender’s development is an example of how not every talent needs to be in the spotlight straight away. Stanisic moved from Fürstenfeldbruck to FC Bayern’s youth ranks back in 2017 and worked his way up step by step. „He’s developed well. You always want Bayern talent to be there straight away. Stani needed a bit of time, but now he’s there,“ explained Kompany

The Bayern coach concluded by making it clear how important the Croatian has become to the team: „He’s one of us and has played an important role.“