FC Bayern’s 5-0 friendly win at RB Salzburg was more than just a relaxed start to the year. Vincent Kompany used the game specifically to test roles and find answers to a key question: how does Bayern’s midfield function without Joshua Kimmich?
The 30-year-old is still struggling with ankle problems, is only training to a limited extent and, according to kicker, is in danger of missing more than just the start of the second half of the season against VfL Wolfsburg. According to the specialist magazine, Kimmich could only be an option for Bayern again after the Bundesliga top match against RB Leipzig
This makes it all the more important to look to the center, where Kompany tested four different profiles for 45 minutes each with Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leon Goretzka, Tom Bischof and campus talent David Santos Daiber
Pavlovic as the clear pace-setter
Aleksandar Pavlovic made impressive use of his playing time. The 21-year-old was by far the most dominant midfielder on the pitch. 83 of the 84 passes he played reached his teammate – a rate that underlines his enormous confidence in building up play. With a total of 89 ball contacts, 15 passes into the attacking third and several precise long balls, Pavlovic directed Bayern’s play almost at will
Although he also failed to score and was not directly involved in the goal, his role was different: structure, rhythm, control. Defensively, Pavlovic won several balls, but also showed that he still has room for improvement in tackles. Overall, his performance was mature, courageous and decisive – a clear signal that he is currently the natural leader in the center without Kimmich
Goretzka remains controlled but ineffective
Leon Goretzka’s performance was statistically clean but not particularly influential. The 30-year-old completed all 24 of his passes, made no mistakes but took very few risks. His influence in attack was limited: not a single shot on goal, no chances created and no contact with the ball in the opposition penalty area
Defensively, Goretzka collected three defensive actions, intercepted one ball and won one tackle. That was enough to keep order, but not to dominate. His play had a stabilizing effect, but without dynamism or depth – a performance that conveyed security, but did not set the tone
Bischof with offensive drive and efficiency
Tom Bischof was much more active in his role. The youngster completed 48 of his 52 passes, looked to get forward more often and was the only one of the four midfielders to create a clear goalscoring opportunity. He also made comparatively many contacts with the ball in the opposition penalty area – an indication of his more attacking approach
Defensively, Bischof also showed his presence: five defensive actions, four tackles won and not a single foul speak for a clean and intensive style of play. His performance was energetic, attentive and balanced – a mixture that should please Kompany
Daiber impresses with his physicality and work against the ball
Compared to Goretzka and Pavlovic, David Santos Daiber had less influence on the game with the ball, but impressed with his work against the ball. With 29 passes received out of 31 attempts, he also played with a high level of security and also attempted one successful long ball
Defensively, Daiber was very active: five defensive actions, three ball wins and five tackles won underline his commitment and physical presence. Offensively, his output remained manageable, but he did a solid job as a link-up player
Clear distribution of roles in the Bayern midfield
The test match in Salzburg painted a clear picture. Pavlovic was the clear pace-setter and dominant factor in the center. Bischof proved himself to be a dynamic, attack-minded alternative with strong tackling. Daiber impressed as a strong runner against the ball. Goretzka, on the other hand, remained the most inconspicuous player – in control but without any noticeable influence
For Vincent Kompany, these are valuable insights ahead of the start of the second half of the season, and for Pavlovic further proof that he has long been more than just a temporary solution – but increasingly the new heart of Bayern’s midfield.