Ahead of the match against Mainz, FC Bayern is considering giving its key players some rest. For Nathaniel Brown, this could mean another chance to start.
Aaron Danks currently has to juggle two tasks at FC Bayern: delivering results despite numerous absences and protecting the remaining players from the next injury. Ahead of Saturday’s away game at Mainz 05 at 3:30 p.m., Nathaniel Brown could therefore be called upon more heavily again.
The German national team player is among the options if Danks makes changes to his lineup following the 2-0 win at Atlético Madrid. Alphonso Davies, in particular, is in the spotlight. The Canadian recently filled in on the left wing in attack, has had a grueling few weeks, and could be given a breather before the international break.
At the press conference, Danks specifically mentioned Davies as a possible candidate for a rest. “His explosiveness also requires periods of rest,” explained Kompany’s deputy. He left the final decision on the starting lineup open for now.
For Brown, starting the match would be another opportunity to solidify his place on the team. In Madrid, he came on for Lennart Karl just over an hour into the game. Now, the necessary workload management could ensure that he is given responsibility again sooner.
Brown gives Dank some breathing room on the left side
Brown brings flexibility to the table above all else. His preferred position remains left back. There, he competes with Davies, while Josip Stanisic can also play left back. In the current Bayern squad, however, Danks must keep an eye on the entire lineup on that side: Due to the absences of Luis Díaz and Serge Gnabry, important options are also missing further up the field.
A rest for Davies would therefore not automatically mean a direct switch to the left-back position. Against Atlético, Stanisic started at the back and Davies in front of him. Danks could deploy Brown in a more defensive role and redistribute the positions accordingly. The left-footed player is also an option further up the field.
Brown recently made it clear in an interview with Prime Video that he feels confident taking on more offensive responsibilities. His speed and understanding of the game help him fill a variety of roles.
This versatility is especially valuable right now. Although Jamal Musiala is training with the team again, he won’t be available for the match against Mainz. Ismael Saibari is also out for the long term. As a result, the scope for lineup changes remains limited.
At the same time, Davies has recently played his way back into the spotlight. His upward trend is intensifying the competition on the left side. For Brown, therefore, it’s a matter of capitalizing on the opportunities created by the packed schedule and the rotation.