Joshua Kimmich has set new standards since moving to the right-back role at FC Bayern Munich. His impressive performance has made him one of the most outstanding players in this position in the major European leagues.
Kimmich has been playing at right-back since matchday 23 of this Bundesliga season. He has already shone in this role in the past and has also shown his impressive quality in the current season. In this short time, he has already collected 4.2 expected assists. Expected assists (xA) measure the probability that a pass will lead to a goal, based on the quality and position of the pass. Kimmich has a value that is only surpassed by Kevin de Bruyne with 4.7 xA in the five major leagues in Europe. This statistic not only emphasises Kimmich’s ability to deliver game-changing passes, but also his outstanding vision and precision on the pitch.
The return to the right-back position is no coincidence. Kimmich, who has often been deployed in midfield in the past, displays a combination of technical ability, tactical understanding and physical presence on the wing that makes him indispensable in this position. He also seems to play with more discipline in this position than in midfield.
Kimmich also as a right-back at the home European Championships
Kimmich’s flexibility and his ability to make an impact both in defence and in attack make him a key figure at FC Bayern. The 29-year-old is also a permanent fixture at right-back under national coach Julian Nagelsmann at the upcoming European Championships. With performances like this, he could become one of the key players at the European Championships.
Discussions about Kimmich’s best position may continue, but his current performances speak for themselves. His influence on Bayern’s game cannot be overestimated. Nevertheless, his future in Munich remains uncertain – a decision will not be made until after the European Championships.
