Ismael Saibari is increasingly making his mark at FC Bayern. His versatility could prove to be a major asset in the coming weeks.
Ismael Saibari is really hitting his stride at FC Bayern. The summer signing, for whom the Munich club invested around 50 million euros, is now showing more and more clearly why the club’s management spent so much money on him.
In the 2-2 draw against FC Augsburg, the Moroccan stepped into the starting lineup in place of the injured Jamal Musiala and took up the position behind Harry Kane. Saibari seized his opportunity and, following a strong pass from Kane, scored the equalizer to make it 1-1.
Yet it was by no means clear before the game that he would be given the nod. Serge Gnabry was also considered a candidate for the number 10 role, and Vincent Kompany could have moved Michael Olise into the center. In the end, the Bayern coach opted for Saibari—and was rewarded with a strong performance.
Saibari had previously impressed in a different position: In the 7-0 win over Union Berlin, he came on as a substitute for Luis Díaz in the 63rd minute and subsequently took over the left wing. Just seven minutes later, following a dynamic dribble, he scored his first competitive goal for FC Bayern.
Saibari’s versatility is now paying off
It was precisely this flexibility that was one of the reasons Bayern signed Saibari in the summer. The 25-year-old can play centrally behind the striker, be deployed on the offensive wing positions, and, with his dynamism, brings a skill set that sets him apart from other players on the roster.
Even after his goal against Union, it had become clear that Saibari could also be a serious alternative to Díaz on the left wing. Sporting director Max Eberl even specifically mentioned the Moroccan at the time when asked whether Bayern needed an additional backup for the left wing.
Now another role is being added to the mix. With Musiala sidelined, Kompany currently needs a solution at the “10” position. Saibari showed against Augsburg that this position is also part of his repertoire.
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This could become particularly important for Bayern in the coming weeks. The schedule is packed, so Kompany will have to rotate his lineup. Díaz won’t be able to play the full 90 minutes in every game, and at the same time, Musiala is out of the central attacking midfield for the time being.
Saibari can thus take on several roles at once. He’s an option for Musiala’s position, can give Díaz a breather, and at the same time allows Kompany to adjust the offensive formation during a game without necessarily having to make a substitution.
The fact that he has recently scored in both positions further strengthens his case for more playing time. Against Union, he scored from the left wing; against Augsburg, he scored from the center.
For a player who cost Bayern around 50 million euros, this is an important development. Saibari is thus increasingly evolving from a versatile backup player into a genuine alternative for the starting lineup.
Whether he’ll permanently establish himself at the “10” position while Musiala is out remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Saibari’s versatility is becoming a real asset for Bayern right now.