FC Bayern’s midfield is more balanced than ever this season. Between tactical discipline, technical quality and up-and-coming talent, the Munich midfield has many faces and some surprising developments.
Joshua Kimmich continues to set the pace in the center of midfield. In 23 competitive matches, the 30-year-old has collected six assists and is the team’s top scorer with 13 great chances created. His passing accuracy of 91.3% and 30.9 passes into the final third per game underline his control qualities. Kimmich is also clearly ahead in tackles (58.3%) and in winning the ball back (3.87 per game). The sofa score: 7.56. FCBinside grade: 1.5
Aleksandar Pavlović has established himself as a second six-man behind Kimmich after his repeated setbacks through injury. The 21-year-old impresses with 94.3 percent passing accuracy, 3.10 ball recoveries per game and a calm, clear style of play. In 21 appearances, he scored one goal and one assist. His sofa score is 7.04, proof of his reliable development. FCBinside grade: 2
Karl provides pace, Goretzka remains pale
Lennart Karl is the high-flyer in Munich’s midfield. The 17-year-old scored six goals and provided two assists in 21 games, mostly played in an attacking role and made an important impact with his 88.2% passing accuracy and dynamism. His defensive stats could be improved (1.62 ball recoveries, 45.3% duels won), but his presence and coolness in front of goal speak for themselves. Sofa score: 6.91. FCBinside rating: 2
Leon Goretzka, on the other hand, had a mixed first half of the season. In 23 appearances, he scored neither a goal nor an assist. In terms of passing statistics (12.5 in the final third) and ball wins (2.43), he is only in midfield. His tackle rate (49.5%) is also too low for his standards. In addition, his influence on Munich’s play was generally manageable. Sofa score: 6.90. FCBinside grade: 4
Tom Bischof made 18 appearances, mostly as a substitute or in a defensive role. Three assists and a pass rate of 92.5% show his technical level. In the second half of the season, he could play more in the center again after having to help out on the left flank at times. His sofa score is 6.57 – expandable, but solid. He was able to hint at his great potential on several occasions. FCBinside rating: 3
Bayern’s midfield offers many solutions: structure through Kimmich, stability through Pavlović, pace through Karl. But not everyone has found their place – Goretzka’s form is an issue, Bischof’s role not yet finally defined. The first half of the season shows: quality is there, but the competition remains open.