FC Bayern is missing several offensive players. This could present a new opportunity for one of Munich’s stars—playing further up the field than he’s been used to recently.
Bayern Munich’s injury crisis is forcing Aaron Danks to rethink his approach. With Ismael Saibari and Serge Gnabry out, two more attackers are sidelined, joining Jamal Musiala and Luis Díaz on the injury list. While attention is primarily focused on Lennart Karl, Alphonso Davies, and Nathaniel Brown, another player could also be an interesting solution: Tom Bischof.
The 21-year-old is competing with Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlovic for playing time in central midfield. A more attacking role could now open up an additional path for him into the starting lineup. Especially at the “10” position, the Munich side is lacking key options due to the absences of Musiala and Saibari.
Saibari has already undergone surgery for his syndesmotic ligament tear and will be out for an extended period. There’s also a question mark over Michael Olise’s availability. Should the Frenchman also miss the match against Atlético Madrid, Karl might be needed on the right side. Danks would then have to find another solution for the central position behind Harry Kane.
Bischof brings experience to the attacking role
For Bischof, a position closer to the opponent’s penalty area would by no means be completely new territory. In his youth at Hoffenheim, he frequently played as a number 10 before being deployed increasingly deeper in the first team. Appearances in attacking wing positions are also part of his development.
Bischof made it clear on the club’s website this summer that he now sees himself more as a deep-lying midfielder: “Now I’ve moved back a bit and play more as a ‘six’; the ‘eight’ position suits me quite well.” His versatility and experience as an attacking midfielder could still help him in the current situation, however.
With his technique, vision, and left foot, Bischof has what it takes to contribute to the team’s passing game behind Kane. As an additional passing option between the lines, he could strengthen the link from midfield to the attack. His long-range shots would also give him the ability to create scoring opportunities on his own.
Such a role, however, would present different challenges than playing in the double-six position. Bischof would have to find solutions more frequently under tight defensive pressure near the goal and get into scoring positions himself. His experience in attacking midfield provides a solid foundation for this.
For him personally, it would also be an opportunity to increase his importance to the team. The new roster situation could allow him additional playing time without Kimmich or Pavlovic having to be benched.
It is not yet known whether Danks is specifically planning to use Bischof in the number 10 role. As an internal alternative, however, the midfielder deserves a closer look. Given their injuries, Bayern need solutions—and Bischof could, of all places, get the chance to take on more responsibility further up the field.