Alphonso Davies provided one of the biggest surprises in FC Bayern’s 2-2 draw against FC Arsenal. Vincent Kompany didn’t deploy the Canadian as a left back, as usual, but instead positioned him on the left wing. It was a move that paid off in full. However, as BILD’s soccer editor Christian Falk now reveals, this idea was by no means a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Davies was one of Bayern’s most standout players against the Londoners. With his tremendous speed, the 25-year-old repeatedly caused problems for the Arsenal defense. In the 35th minute, following a spectacular pass from Harry Kane, he rewarded himself by scoring the 1-1 equalizer.
The unusual positioning had initially caused some surprise. After all, Davies has been considered one of Europe’s best left-backs for years. But apparently, Bayern’s management had already had a completely different role in mind for the Canadian international when planning the roster.
Bayern executives had already discussed the Davies plan back in the summer
On the BILD podcast “Bayern Insider,” Falk revealed that such considerations had already been taking place at Säbener Straße during the transfer window.
The background was the search for another classic winger. Although Munich signed Ismael Saibari, the Moroccan is not a natural left winger. An internal solution involving Arijon Ibrahimovic was also initially on the table before the youngster was loaned to FC Augsburg.
According to Falk, Kompany, sporting director Max Eberl, and director of soccer operations Christoph Freund therefore met to discuss who would fill the left attacking wing position. “And that’s when the idea came up: We do have Alphonso Davies,” Falk reported.
The transfer insider made it clear that Davies’s appearance against Arsenal was by no means a short-term reaction to personnel issues. Rather, the club’s leadership had long since planned to use Davies as an additional option for the offense.
Davies could permanently solve Bayern’s wing problem
BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer also finds these considerations understandable. After all, Munich signed another top-class left back, Nathaniel Brown, this summer. “That’s why it certainly makes sense,” Niedderer explained, referring to the possibility of deploying Davies further up the field.
This personnel configuration could open up additional tactical options for the Bayern coach in the future. While Brown can play on the left side of the defense, Davies would be an alternative for the offense.
Given the current injury woes, this flexibility could prove particularly valuable. Luis Díaz is sidelined with a torn muscle after his appearance against Arsenal. In addition, the record champions have recently struggled with several absences in the attack.
Davies himself impressively demonstrated against Arsenal that he can be a real asset even in his original position as a winger. It’s quite possible that Kompany will fall back on this plan—which was already developed over the summer—more often in the future.