Kimmich & Goretzka – Rightly untouchable in Bayern midfield?

The double six of FC Bayern consists Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. Since Thiago’s departure, there has never been anything to shake it. Under Hansi Flick, the two developed into the midfield leaders and created a status of inviolability. But do they still deserve this status?

The central midfield often decides about the weal and woe of a club. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have already led FC Bayern to important victories in countless games. The duo get along very well privately and always pull together in the game. Kimmich shines with his passing game, his mentality and his creativity, whereas Goretzka is considered more of an athletic player with strong tackles, who can also become dangerous himself on his trips forward. On paper, the two complement each other quite well.

However, there were first doubts about Bayern’s double six during the first half of the season. After Marcel Sabitzer had to make room for Goretzka, the Munich game got a little out of balance. While Sabitzer Kimmich kept his back free and he was able to develop ideally, Goretzka was of course a different type of player in the starting XI.

As a rule, it is ultimately the ex-Schalke player who takes on the role of eight and should make the way forward. Kimmich’s task is then primarily to steer the game from the center and at the same time to be present as a safeguard. However, he did not do this job sufficiently at times, which is why it rained criticism from many sides along the lines of “Kimmich does gymnastics everywhere, just not where he is needed”.

In the second part of the first half of the season, however, the midfield leader positioned himself better, which meant that coordination with Goretzka worked again.

Is Kimmich dispensable for Bayern?

In the game against RB Leipzig and also at the World Cup, it was not necessarily due to the vote that the performances of the midfield duo were not at their peak. Rather, it is important to look for the shortcomings in the individual area. Kimmich tends to drop after duels, even in dicey situations. If the referee then drives a generous line, such actions can quickly backfire.

That’s what happened against Leipzig, when he also had the chance to clear the ball clearly beforehand. In addition to conceding, Kimmich didn’t make the strongest impression and didn’t have the midfield under control like you’re used to from him. Can we already talk about a “hole” into which the 27-year-old fell after the World Cup? Of course it’s too early for that. Those responsible at Bayern certified the player’s very strong performance in the training camp and Kimmich doesn’t give the impression that the World Cup left too big scars.

Ultimately, it should be said that a lot of what was and is criticized about Kimmich is complaining at a high level. Kimmich is considered one of the strongest central midfielders in the world and also claims to belong to this select circle.

But is the midfielder indispensable for Bayern? As of now, you have to answer this question with a “yes”. No other Munich midfielder is as good at passing and can direct and open a game from the center. With his game intelligence, energy and creativity on the pitch, he always offers added value for Bayern. He definitely has certain weaknesses in an athletic nature, which cannot all be compensated for with commitment and mentality.

But which perfect central midfielder is there in the world – and above all, which of them is affordable? The search for such a player would be in vain.

Does Goretzka deserve his regular place?

Overall, it is clear: Despite some weaknesses, Kimmich is indispensable for FC Bayern and should also be set in the future. But what about Leon Goretzka?

As a tall, athletic and dynamic player, he represents a counterpoint to Kimmich. Unfortunately, he sometimes does the same when it comes to passing and creativity. These two aspects are not among Goretzka’s strengths. It has always been a problem that FC Bayern, who are used to having a lot of ball possession, have a player in the center in Goretzka who is not very good with the ball. The 27-year-old isn’t the right man for quick, short passes in midfield, and precise long balls and transfer passes are a bit too rare. Goretzka is an important man with his work commitment, his running strength and tough duels, but is that enough in the long run?

After all, an eight must also bring an offensive component. One-on-one skills or deadly passes aren’t part of his skill set, but a good shot and some header power are. It is important for Goretzka to keep his goal threat. He’s scored five competitive goals this season, which is pretty good.

Can Laimer represent a reinforcement against Goretzka?

Goretzka certainly has his place in the starting XI. However, his skill set is not enough to be untouchable. A midfielder who brings in a little more “magic”, like Thiago did, would definitely do Bayern Munich good. He should be able to combine and sometimes leave several people in the middle with dynamics and technology. A Goretzka doesn’t really manage that.

A Frenkie de Jong would master this matter, but it is less robust and weaker in a duel. You always have to accept certain compromises. From their own ranks, Musiala would still be a type of player who has the skills to dribble through midfield with the ball at his feet and can shine in teamwork. Accordingly, one could certainly strive to move Musiala from ten to eight. In any case, Goretzka, Kimmich and Musiala would complement each other greatly.

It is doubtful that Laimer has the quality to replace Goretzka and form an even stronger duo with Kimmich. The Austrian is a similar guy who is a tad stronger athletically but weaker in ball handling and offensive skills.

However, it would be important to give the Leipziger a chance if you get him and to continue to promote Ryan Gravenberch. The Bavarians must not insist too much on playing with Kimmich and Goretzka forever. Among other things, the World Cup has also shown that you can be eliminated quickly with Kimmich and Goretzka. There are definitely midfielders who are stronger than Goretzka or who could become stronger in the future.

With Gravenberch you have a top talent in your own ranks, which should also be shown a way into the starting XI. Munich know what they have in Kimmich and Goretzka, but they should always be challenged.

Everything about FC Bayern in 90 minutes:

This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Kimmich & Goretzka – Rightly untouchable in Bayern midfield? released.

goal