Bayern squad too thin? Now Kompany faces a luxury problem | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, the midfield is suddenly as well-stocked as it hasn't been in a long time. Before the Bundesliga top match against Hamburger SV, coach Vincent Kompany faces a real luxury problem for the first time this season.

According to kicker information, summer newcomer Tom Bischof will be in the squad for the first time again on Saturday evening. The 20-year-old had to undergo an appendectomy shortly before the season started and was out for weeks. With his return, Kompany now has all four central midfielders available – a first after the personnel problems of recent weeks.

Bischof as a Joker, Pavlovic and Goretzka in Direct Duel

Photo: IMAGO

Joshua Kimmich is set in the center. The question is: Who plays alongside him? Leon Goretzka and Aleksandar Pavlovic are currently in a neck-and-neck race.

Pavlovic, who returned after an eye injury, recently impressed with stability and passing accuracy. The 21-year-old used the international break to work on his fitness and is pushing to return to the starting lineup.

Goretzka, on the other hand, experienced a setback with the national team. After weak performances, the 30-year-old is obliged to bring back his usual dynamism and goal threat in the Bayern jersey. He remains the box-to-box player with physical presence, while Pavlovic takes on a more organizing role.

Bischof is likely to be planned as a joker initially after his long break. The former Hoffenheim player showed strong performances during preparation, especially in the number six position. With vision and technique, he recommended himself as a future option for the central hub. The number ten position also remains a possible role for the left-footer in the future.

Laimer Currently Out of the Picture

Photo: IMAGO

Theoretically, Kompany could also rely on Konrad Laimer in the center. However, the Austrian is currently urgently needed as a right-back and is therefore not an option for the midfield for now.

Thus, Kompany has the choice between two completely different types of players: Goretzka, who pushes forward with power, or Pavlovic, who brings calm and control to the game. Additionally, Bischof is a young challenger who is likely to soon make serious claims.

An overcrowded midfield is a rare phenomenon at FC Bayern. For Vincent Kompany, it's a luxury problem that he's likely happy to solve. After all, the squad was too thinly spread in many areas during the first weeks of the season – now there's more than enough quality in the center.

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