In today’s world soccer, versatility is more in demand than ever – especially at the top clubs. A look at the youth years of a current Bayern professional shows that surprising careers can be discovered.
In an interview with L’Équipe, 27-year-old Dayot Upamecano revealed that he did not start out in defense in his youth. „When I was a kid, I was a striker, they called me Adebayor. Because I scored a lot of goals, I was tall and had dreadlocks.“ He is referring to Emmanuel Adebayor, the former star striker from Togo who played for Arsenal and Real Madrid, among others.
The Frenchman also remembers that he played in almost every position – except goal. When he joined the Valenciennes youth team in 2013, the sporting director there wanted to know which position he played. His answer: „All positions.“ That was exactly what convinced the sporting director at the time.
Despite his attacking beginnings, Upamecano has long since concentrated fully on his role in defence. The centre-back currently plays a key role at FC Bayern and is one of the most consistent players this season. He told the French sports newspaper himself: „He has never felt as physically fit as he does at this stage.
„When you play together with Harry Kane…“
There is no sign of arrogance here. Instead, Upamecano is self-critical and ambitious. When asked whether he needs to improve his goalscoring ability with set-pieces in order to develop further, he says: „That is one of my goals.“ At the same time, he refers with a wink to his prominent team-mate in attack: „But when you play with Harry Kane, you don’t think so much about goals.“
Upamecano is clearly aware of his priorities. Despite his past as a striker, he puts defensive work first. „Personally, I’d rather finish a game without conceding a goal than score one myself. But I know that I’m lacking in goalscoring.“ In 167 games for FC Bayern so far, he has only scored five goals – a rather modest figure, but one that does not detract from his current sporting importance.
In view of his strong performances, those responsible at Säbener Straße are keen to extend his contract, which runs until the summer of 2026. Upamecano himself was cautious about his future: „My advisor is taking care of it. We will make the right decision.“
