Preparation for the new season at FC Bayern was once again a bit unusual. Many players who had participated in the World Cup joined training late, which gave young players the opportunity to make a name for themselves.
In addition, a few players who had recently been injured had to be brought back gradually. As a result, the record champions weren’t even able to field the full squad they had originally planned.
Nevertheless, ahead of the season opener against VfB Stuttgart on Friday evening at 8:30 p.m., it’s clear that there have been standouts during this preseason. Three in particular have stood out.
Minjae Kim in top form
As the summer got underway, South Korean Minjae Kim was considered a potential transfer candidate. Italian clubs, in particular, were vying for the center back. The record champions were considering a sale because the player’s salary is high and the club had paid a substantial transfer fee but had not yet received sufficient return on that investment.
However, after the World Cup, the decision was made that Kim would stay and serve as the primary backup at center back in the defensive rotation. It’s a role with which Kim was—and still is—fully in agreement. After a disappointing World Cup, the experienced defender returned to training early and played in most of the preseason friendlies.
And he did so at a high level. Kim played very conscientiously and with foresight; he was agile and looked fit. He was more confident in building up play than in other phases of his time at Bayern, and his risk assessment was spot-on. In this form, he is an absolute asset for the record champions.
Maycon Cardozo Seizes His Opportunity
In the attacking department, Serge Gnabry, Lennart Karl, Jamal Musiala, and Ismael Saibari were all absent at times, while Luis Diaz and Michael Olise also returned later from the World Cup. This meant that young players in the attack once again had a much greater chance to prove themselves. And Maycon Cardozo, in particular, did just that.
His performances—not just in the preseason friendlies—were marked not only by a willingness to take risks but also by self-confidence. Cardozo showed that he wants to make the most of his opportunity and seems to have impressed in training as well. While he doesn’t have a guaranteed permanent spot on the first-team roster, he does have the opportunity to be part of the first-team squad from time to time. And that’s already a big step forward for him, even though he made his debut last season. A loan is off the table—Bayern is counting on him.
Nathaniel Brown promptly takes center stage
FC Bayern has made three new signings. Ismael Saibari, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, and Nathaniel Brown have joined FC Bayern, though Ndiaye had previously played for the record champions on loan. Brown, in particular, has already proven himself in the games so far. Whether as a left back or, most recently, in attacking midfield.
The national team player impressed with his technical skill, determination, and drive toward the goal. Brown scored in the last two friendlies and also in the Super Cup against BVB. People have been talking about his versatility from the very beginning; he has already demonstrated it impressively and shown early on what an asset he can be to this team, no matter what role he plays.