FC Bayern is heading into the new season with high ambitions. Domestically, the German record champions are once again the clear favorites; internationally, they aim to take the next step after being eliminated in the semifinals last season. But is the current roster strong enough to make a run at the Champions League? In the FCBinside roster analysis, we take a close look at each part of the team. After examining the defense, we now turn our attention to the midfield.
Assuming that João Palhinha will indeed leave FC Bayern, central midfield—of all places—could turn out to be the biggest gamble in Munich’s roster planning.
With Leon Goretzka gone, the team has lost an immensely experienced player. Going forward, Tom Bischof and the 18-year-old Bara Sapoko Ndiaye are expected to fill the void left by his playing time. Max Eberl and Christoph Freund deliberately chose not to bring in a high-profile replacement from outside the club.
Bayern is putting its trust in Bischof and Ndiaye
The starting duo is likely to consist of Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic anyway. Both possess tremendous skills with the ball and can shape Munich’s play from deep.
The crucial question, however, is: What happens if one of them is sidelined? Especially over the course of a full season encompassing the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and the Champions League, Kimmich and Pavlovic will hardly be able to play every game.
This opens up a major opportunity for Bischof. With regular playing time, the 21-year-old can finally establish himself at the record-holding champions. The question mark is even bigger when it comes to Ndiaye. Bayern has high hopes for the youngster, but an 18-year-old is expected to take over some of the minutes that previously belonged to an established pro like Goretzka.
Alternatives are available. Konrad Laimer can play in the center, and Nathaniel Brown also brings experience from midfield. However, both are primarily slated for the fullback positions.
The defensive profile is missing
Even more intriguing is the question of the midfield’s composition. Kimmich and Pavlovic’s greatest strengths lie in their play with the ball. When defending, however, the duo can be more vulnerable.
Bayern does not have a clearly defensively oriented world-class player like Rodri, Declan Rice, or João Neves on their roster. Especially at the highest level of the Champions League, this could become a decisive factor.
Palhinha would, in principle, fit this profile, but he has no prospects under Vincent Kompany and is reportedly set to be sold. The Munich club apparently has no intention of signing a replacement.
Conclusion: FC Bayern is consciously taking a risk in what may be the most crucial part of the team. Kimmich and Pavlovic undoubtedly have the potential to form a world-class midfield. Behind them, however, the club’s leadership is banking heavily on the development of Bischof and Ndiaye.
If this plan works out, Bayern could benefit in the long term. But if injuries or slumps in form arise, the decision to forgo signing another defensively strong midfielder could become apparent, at the latest, in the big Champions League matches.