Ahead of the Bundesliga classic between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern, Tobias Schweinsteiger is causing a stir with a remarkable assessment
In an interview with t-online, the former Bayern professional and former Munich youth coach draws a big comparison – and puts Luis Díaz and Michael Olise above the legendary wing duo of Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben
„For me, Díaz and Olise are even better than Ribéry and Robben were in the early days of their time at Bayern,“ explains the 43-year-old. A statement that certainly carries weight given the history of the „Robbery“ duo. Ribéry and Robben shaped an entire era at the record champions and led the club to the Champions League triumph in 2013
Defensive work as the decisive difference
Schweinsteiger bases his comparison primarily on the overall package. While Ribéry and Robben were already outstanding offensively at the beginning of their time at Bayern, they only developed their defensive work over the years. „Díaz and Olise, on the other hand, already have that,“ said Schweinsteiger
This balance between offensive drive and defensive discipline is particularly crucial in modern top-flight soccer, and in this respect he believes the current duo are even a step ahead of the two club legends in their early days
Personalities not yet at „Robbery“ level
When it comes to charisma and charisma, Schweinsteiger sees Ribéry and Robben clearly ahead. „When it comes to personalities, Ribéry and Robben are still far ahead of them,“ he emphasizes
Olise is more introverted and quiet, while Díaz is passionate on the pitch but also reserved off it. It is precisely this factor that has contributed significantly to Ribéry and Robben’s legendary status
Schweinsteiger cites Kingsley Coman as an example: a difference-maker on the pitch, goalscorer in the 2020 Champions League final – and yet without the lasting cult status of the two icons. „In terms of personality and his status at the club, he never reached the level of Ribéry and Robben,“ says Schweinsteiger
The comparison may be bold – but it shows the status that Díaz and Olise now enjoy at FC Bayern. Whether they can actually shape a new era remains to be seen in the coming years. In sporting terms, the potential certainly seems to be there.