Tom Bischof was one of the most notable players during FC Bayern’s preseason. While many key players were still on vacation after the World Cup, the 21-year-old was able to make a strong impression on Vincent Kompany. However, the picture has changed as the competitive season gets underway.
In both the Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund and the 5-1 win over VfB Stuttgart, Bischof had to wait a long time on the bench. The former Hoffenheim player didn’t get on the field until the closing stages of each match. He didn’t have much time to make a lasting impression.
But that’s no reason for concern just yet. In fact, Bischof’s big moment could very well come in the weeks ahead. The record champions’ schedule is getting increasingly packed, and Kompany has already announced his intention to rotate the squad extensively.
Bischof faces fierce competition
The fact that Bischof is currently playing only a supporting role has primarily to do with the enormous quality of Bayern’s roster. In his preferred position in central midfield, there’s currently almost no way past Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic.
Both are well-established and demonstrated in the Bundesliga opener just how important they are to Munich’s style of play. Bischof would have to deliver exceptionally strong performances to permanently displace either of them from the starting lineup.
Competition is also heating up behind them. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye is another promising talent who has been working his way closer and closer to the first team.
Switching to other positions does little to make the situation easier for Bischof. In the number 10 role, Kompany has players like Ismael Saibari, Nathaniel Brown, Lennart Karl, and Michael Olise at his disposal. Once he returns, Jamal Musiala will also be in the running for that spot.
Even on the left side of defense, where Bischof has already impressed, the competition is fierce. Alphonso Davies and Brown are the obvious options there. Added to that are players like Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanisic, who can also step in if needed.
Bischof’s big chance is yet to come
The strong preseason performance may have raised expectations that were nearly impossible to meet. Bischof saw plenty of playing time during the Asian tour and, due to the thin squad, found himself more in the spotlight. However, it would be asking too much to assume that he would automatically be in contention for a starting spot at the start of the season.
His starting position is nonetheless promising. An enormous workload awaits Bayern until the first extended break of the season. In the coming 122 days alone, there are 22 competitive matches on the schedule. Kimmich and Pavlovic will hardly be able to get through this schedule without breaks.
Bischof’s first major opportunity could therefore come as early as the upcoming cup match against VfL Osnabrück. Kompany has made it clear that rotation will be an integral part of his plans this season.
For Bischof, the focus shouldn’t be on immediately and permanently displacing Kimmich or Pavlovic anyway. It’s much more important to establish himself as the first alternative in central midfield and gradually increase his playing time.
He has what it takes to do so. Already last season, Bischof demonstrated his ability to withstand pressure, his technical quality, and his goal-scoring threat from central positions. Kompany also thinks highly of the midfielder.
It would therefore be far too early to declare a playing time crisis after just two competitive matches. Bischof must remain patient and seize his opportunities as soon as they arise. Given Bayern’s packed schedule, he likely won’t have to wait too long for them.