Manuel Neuer
Had a quiet afternoon again in the initial phase, so meanwhile took on a part-time job as a mediator. Was called to the touchline by coach Julian Nagelsmann during a break in the 16th minute and appeared to be receiving instructions for right-back Noussair Mazraoui, which he passed across the field after sprinting. Little challenged in his main job as a goalkeeper and had no chance when Chris Führich equalized in the meantime, as did the late penalty.
Noussair Mazraoui
Made his Bundesliga debut against Stuttgart, but Neuer’s messenger service showed that he needed a little time to get used to Mathys Tel in front. Didn’t reach the level Benjamin Pavard has played at in recent weeks, but very few can say that anyway.
Dayot Upamecano
Also played against Stuttgart for a place in the starting XI against FC Barcelona in the Champions League. Presented arguments that speak for it, such as good duel management and avoiding serious mistakes. Critical voices are likely to continue to accuse him of insufficient organizational qualities.
Matthijs de Ligt
Due to a hand injury he ran out again with a cast, which Munich likes to take as a reminder of Philipp Lahm’s performance in the 2006 World Cup opening game against Costa Rica. Defended with foot and head in a quality that was quite close to Lahm, but then did something that the former Bayern captain would never have done: fouled in the penalty area shortly before the end and thus enabled VfB to equalize late. Lahm comparisons faded at that moment.
Alphonso Davies
Suddenly appeared on the right during a counterattack after a Stuttgart corner, but overran his opponents there just as effortlessly as on the left, where he initiated the 1-0 a little later. Always found ways into the penalty area, but should soon focus on defensive tasks again: initiated the first Stuttgart goal with a weak pass and then came too late.
Joshua Kimmich
Initially had some trouble bringing order to a newly manned Bayern offensive, then referred back to the usual stylistic devices. Played an opening long ball to Davies before the 1-0, which was so perfect that it would have opened up a great chance in any offensive line-up. Was then lucky twice that you could still see two fouls on him under the magnifying glass, otherwise he almost conceded a goal with careless loss of the ball.
Leon Goretzka
Returned to his prime role as Joshua Kimmich’s big brother in Bayern midfield against VfB. Played together with him as harmoniously as if they had previously built Playmobil knight’s castles together. After the two equalizers, both played as energetically as if Chris Führich had stolen their favorite character. Once that gave Bayern the lead again, but in the end Serhou Guirassy kicked in the whole castle with his penalty, which put both of them in a bad mood.
Jamal Musiala
Has meanwhile built up a reputation for dribbling in a small area in Germany and Europe, which is of course also known in Swabia. Was therefore confronted with a lot of legs by the edgy defensive trio Anton-Ito-Mavropanos, the dribbler’s natural enemy. Seemed annoyed by that for a while, then just kept dribbling and made it 2-1. The true personal triumph of the day for Musiala, however, was a duel against Mavropanos in his own penalty area.
Thomas Müller
Should seriously consider taking a French course. Had a neighbor in Mathys Tel who was supposed to attend some training courses on the subject of starting up in the pressing system, but it is questionable whether these will quickly lead to success in shouted Upper Bavarian. Was allowed to save his voice for Barcelona from the 69th minute.
Serge Gnabry
Another Bayern player with a lame plaster cast, so it was almost lucky that FC Bayern didn’t have to play basketball against VfB. Unlike de Ligt, had several chances to score in honor of Lahm, but missed a few promising chances. Currently still a bit away from his best form.
Mathy’s phone
Just learned to walk in the opening game of the World Cup in 2006, so it can be assumed that his goal to make it 1-0 was not appreciated by a Bayern defensive legend. Played against VfB for the first time in the Bundesliga from the start and, in addition to the Müller courses (Bavarian and pressing), should possibly also attend a Kimmich training course on the subject of straight passes. At the age of 17, he is certainly still inquisitive: his talent cannot be questioned in any world language.
substitute
Leroy Sane could have forgotten Gnabry’s missed goal chances, but, unlike in the Champions League, stopped scoring. Josip Stanisic came on for the battered Mazraoui, but created uncertainty on the right that couldn’t be repaired with tactical instructions. Eric Maxim Choupo Moting hardly came to action as a Müller replacement, just as little as the late substitutes Sadio Mane and Ryan Gravenberch.