Stats reveal: Laimer is Bayern’s secret playmaker | OneFootball

The injury-related absence of Jamal Musiala has left a gap at FC Bayern that seems hard to fill: The Munich team is missing their classic playmaker. Coach Vincent Kompany has responded by distributing the creative responsibility among several shoulders. While Harry Kane and Michael Olise often step into the role of the playmaker, there is one player who hardly anyone would have expected in this function - Konrad Laimer.

The 28-year-old Austrian was signed in the summer of 2023 from league rival RB Leipzig, originally as a reinforcement for the defensive midfield. However, in Munich, he quickly established himself as a regular player on the right defense side. If necessary, he even jumps in on the left side - a prime example of versatility.

But Laimer is currently delivering much more than defensive stability. According to a survey by the data portal Squawka, he leads the ranking of the European top 5 leagues with 13 created big chances. This puts him not only ahead of Bayern stars like Harry Kane or Michael Olise, but also surpasses international top players like Jack Grealish, Pedri, and Jonathan Clauss (each 12). Even young exceptional talents like Arda Güler or Nico Paz (both 11) are behind the Bayern all-rounder.

A statistic that surprises - and clarifies Laimer's new role in the game of the record champions.

From Sweeper to Playmaker

Laimer has so far primarily been considered a running machine, aggressive leader, and ball winner. But under Vincent Kompany, he is increasingly becoming a secret architect in Bayern's game. With his dynamism, his sense for spaces, and precise passes, he ensures that the Munich team can make their offensive game more variable.

While classic playmakers like Musiala or Olise shine with dribbles and final passes, Laimer brings in another component: He opens up spaces, creates outnumbering situations, and thus brings pace into Bayern's game. The fact that he, as an outside defender, leads Europe's top in terms of big chances, underlines how valuable he has become for Kompany's system.

FC Bayern can consider themselves lucky to have a player like Konrad Laimer in their ranks, who wins balls defensively and can simultaneously make a difference offensively. In a phase where Musiala is missing, the Austrian has quietly slipped into the role of the "secret playmaker".

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