Dayot Upamecano is currently one of FC Bayern’s top performers. After the 2-0 away win at Atlético Madrid, sporting director Max Eberl was full of praise and explained why the Frenchman has become one of Munich’s most important players.
With its 2-0 victory over Atlético Madrid, FC Bayern made a real statement in the Champions League. In addition to the team’s cohesive performance, the German record champions’ defense was particularly impressive. Once again, Dayot Upamecano was one of the standout players.
The French national team player has been in impressive form for weeks and has developed into a true leader in Munich’s back line. His performances have long been a major topic of discussion among the club’s leadership.
After the final whistle, sporting director Max Eberl had strong words for the center back in the mixed zone: “Thank goodness we extended his contract. Thank goodness he’s with us at the club.”
The Bayern boss then added: “But he’s been playing at a world-class level for weeks now.”
“He’s taken a giant step forward.”
Eberl is particularly impressed by the progress Upamecano has made in recent months. While the Frenchman had repeatedly stood out in the past for individual mistakes, he now plays with much greater composure and consistency.
“And Upa has also taken a giant leap forward over the past twelve months,” emphasized the sporting director. This isn’t just about his athletic abilities, but also about the defender’s personality.
Upamecano has managed to largely overcome his previous weaknesses. “You could always say there was a chance he might make a mistake. He’s almost eliminated that now,” Eberl explained.
Above all, his presence on the field impresses the Bayern boss. Upamecano now exudes a completely different kind of authority and is increasingly developing into a leader. His body language and demeanor not only bolster his own teammates but also make an impression on the opposition.
Eberl raves about Bayern’s defensive trio
In addition to Upamecano, Eberl also highlighted the quality of the entire central defense. With Jonathan Tah and Min-jae Kim, Munich has two additional top-tier options for the center of the defense.
From the sporting director’s perspective, Tah’s experience and maturity, in particular, play an important role. Together with Upamecano and Kim, the German national team player forms a strong defensive backbone. “Only two can play at a time, but the three of them together are exceptional,” Eberl gushed.
For the Bayern boss, Upamecano’s development in particular is a decisive factor. The Frenchman is now not only impressing with his physical and technical abilities but is also increasingly taking on responsibility within the team.