Bayern Munich drew 1-1 with Union Berlin in what was a highly entertaining duel between two of the Bundesliga’s offensive teams. A second consecutive draw in the Bundesliga is surely not what Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick ordered, but it is too early to panic. Here are some fast hitters in the game:
- So … when will Joshua Kimmich return? It is becoming increasingly clear that the Bavarians need Kimmich back in the lineup. The 25-year-old star brings a deft balance between defensive presence, ball distribution and knowing when to attack. That multifaceted weapon is missing entirely. Leon Goretzka has behaved well without his usual double pivot partner, but with Javi Martínez out, Corentin Tolisso injured (and frankly not fully fit) and Marc Roca unable to convince Flick that he deserves more playing time, the starting eleven it is often unbalanced and too progressive. Which brings me to …
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- Jamal Musiala. The young man continues to impress with his smooth game. Musiala’s exquisite first touch and silky twists are beyond her years. He’s playing out of position and still has strong performances. It is becoming increasingly clear that Bayern Munich has a jewel in the (current) English international. While Musiala did nothing to justify criticism in the game, his offensive charging style helps create too much of a defensive gap in midfield. The good news is that Musiala has plenty of time to expand her horizons to include gaining more experience playing as an “8” rather than a “10” or in the band.
- Union Berlin was there to play and did not seem intimidated at all. I didn’t feel like the bus was openly parked. Union Eisern challenged Bayern Munich, and never stopped trying to attack.
- If Union Berlin could have finished better they could have had five or six goals to be honest. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did a lot to prevent that from happening and was very, very good in the match. Neuer couldn’t have done anything against the goal that was scored, but his anticipation and vision cut off a few more chances. Neuer also had another pass behind the back that was very sweet.
- Bayern Munich were poor again in the last third. There was good looks and creativity, but the execution was extremely poor. Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry offered good chances with bad touches in the first half. Gnabry’s inconsistent play is starting to get a bit worrying.
- Kingsley Coman’s relentless effort and skillful passing perfectly set up Lewandowski’s goal. Coman continues to shine and put aside some of the criticism that many have had regarding his game in recent years. I’m not sure there is a better wing in the Bundesliga at the moment.
- Unfortunately, it was another disorganized and somewhat sloppy baseline game. Alphonso Davies probably wasn’t ready for another outing yet and showed some rust in his game. There also appeared to be positioning and communication issues between Davies, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Benjamin Pavard. In my opinion, Pavard was the best of a bad group on this day.
- When he was substituted, Bayern Munich had no idea without Goretzka on the field. Tolisso looked in a bad mood and it resulted in a misfit lineup that has trouble figuring out how to move forward consistently.
- The last 15 minutes of the game were largely boring for Bayern Munich, until …
- The 90th minute for Andreas Luthe. Luthe cleared a header from Leroy Sane and it was a game save for Union Eisern. Sane was otherwise, not so shocking despite bringing some energy to the field when he substituted.
- It was an eerily silent game by Thomas Müller. Whatever Union Berlin did to get Müller out of party work.
- Gnabry also seems to be one of his fears. Hopefully Sane or Gnabry can get in shape quickly to keep up with that wide point in the lineup opposite Coman.
- If Bayer Leverkusen defeat Hoffenheim today, Die Werkself will be in exclusive possession of first place in the Bundesliga.
If you missed our match prizes, observations, or post-game podcast, check them out or listen to them:
Apparently, David Alaba is “reaching an agreement” with Real Madrid. This is sooooo Schmankerly:
According to the latest news from the Spanish media, Real Madrid is reaching an agreement with Austrian international left-back David Alaba (28) on his winter signing from Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, the young veteran defending champion of CL continues to be followed by Juventus, Chelsea and PSG.
And did you think you had finished with the possible dismissal of Inter Milan, Christian Eriksen?
Never!
Football Italia captured another report linking an exchange of Eriksen for Corentin Tolisso, but apparently there is also a cash option to buy Eriksen outright.
Christian Eriksen will leave Inter in January and the options for a possible trade are reportedly with PSG, Bayern Munich or Arsenal. According to the Tuttosport newspaper, there is no possibility that the Dane will remain at Inter beyond January.
There are several options, from a sale for at least 30 million euros to a loan or even a tempting exchange with another club. The alternatives listed by the newspaper would see PSG potentially use Leandro Paredes for a trade, while Bayern Munich are looking to trade Eriksen with Corentin Tolisso. The return to London could even be on the cards of former Tottenham midfielder Eriksen, who is linked to a trade for Granit Xhaka.
Again, I can’t see Eriksen wearing Bayern Munich red at the Allianz Arena anytime soon (probably ever), but this has become one of the longest running and most consistent transfer rumors regarding a player. that we have seen.
So, let’s enjoy your absurdity!
Olympique de Marseille defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara is on the radar of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and FC Barcelona:
Boubacar Kamara from Marseille has ended up in the sights of Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, according to Mundo Deportivo. This report has been covered by journalist Miguel Rico and states that the new La Liga board will find the 21-year-old’s name ‘underlined’ on the club’s list of priority goals. According to Mundo, the player’s valuation is established between 25 and 30 million euros, and they also add that “there could be an auction” to ensure their services.
At just 21, Kamara also has the ability to play center-back, but it would appear to be redundant for Marc Roca and / or Tanguy Nianzou in Bayern Munich’s midfield group. Roca, of course, has just been signed for a bargain fee, while Nianzou is also a young player who can float between the defensive midfield and central defender positions, when healthy.
A lot of people don’t like AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimović, but I think he’s a gem just because of things like this: