Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s 4-1 victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach
· Yahoo Sports
A Bayern Munich side featuring seven changes from last week’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund hosted their “bogey side” at the Allianz Arena without their talisman and top-scorer, Harry Kane. Despite the heavy rotation and Kane’s absence, a cohesive Bayern made light work of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s best efforts to keep the league’s top scorers at bay.
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Jersey Swap: Wael Mohya
This award nearly went to nobody after a lackluster Mönchengladbach effort; however, Wael Mohya proved to be the spring that Gladbach’s step so sorely needed.
The 17-year-old attacker came on as an 84th-minute substitute and, just five minutes later, became Gladbach’s youngest-ever goal-scorer. A terrific feat at the tender age of 17, let alone against the mighty Bayern.
Wael Mohya, remember the name.
Der Kaiser: Konrad Laimer
Given Gladbach’s toothless attacking display, Bayern’s defense didn’t have much to worry about throughout the 90 minutes. Nonetheless, the defensive unit had a solid game. Ultimately, this award was always going to go to a defender who was also involved in Bayern’s ruthless attack. Cue Konrad Laimer.
Laimer is without a shadow of a doubt Bayern’s best option at right-back. The Austrian’s work rate up and down the flank is invaluable, providing an extra option on the over or under-lap while never snubbing his defensive duties. He was near perfect in both disciplines against Die Fohlen and executed a beautiful finish off the back of Luis Díaz’s defense-splitting pass, bringing his Bundesliga goal tally to three for the season.
Bayern, who are currently deadlocked in a contract negotiation with Laimer and his team, seriously have to question whether they need to dip into the transfer market for a right-back, or if the right-back they are looking for is already in their backyard.
Fußballgott: Leon Goretzka
This award could have easily gone the way of Joshua Kimmich or even Jamal Musiala, who scored his maiden Bundesliga goal this the season. However, Leon Goretzka was the standout performer in the Bayern midfield against Gladbach.
The German national provided physicality in defense, tidy passing and an impressive display of dribbling, completing fives progressive carries—only topped by Lennart Karl. Goretzka’s display reminds one of what has made the midfielder so successful throughout his career. He is not a master in any one area, but adept across the board. An underrated skill set. As they say, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
Goretzka is the victim of endless torment amongst Bayern fans. But the notion that a game is already lost just because the 31-year-old finds himself in the starting eleven is frankly absurd. Goretzka has by no means had his best season, nor has he been Bayern’s best midfielder, that doesn’t mean he can’t still make a positive impact for the duration of his time in Munich.
Der Bomber: Nicolas Jackson
The gap in skill difference between Harry Kane and Nicolas Jackson doesn’t exactly do the Senegalese international any favors. After all, Kane is an elite footballer; Jackson is alright. Therefore, seeing the 24-year-old striker leading the line doesn’t inspire boat-loads of confidence. However, Jackson proved his worth as a rotation-piece.
Jackson played a significant role in Bayern Munich’s second goal. The Senegalese striker picked the ball up after Laimer successfully dispossessed Galdbach deep in Bayern’s own half. The Austrian international then released Jackson, who carried the ball towards Gladbach’s goal. Jackson had multiple passing options available but, instead of rushing his decision, he took his time and ultimately chose to thread the ball to Díaz on the left wing, a sequence ending in a goal. The loanee also positioned himself perfectly in the 79th minute, hoofing Karl’s low cross into the back of the net.
There are still areas of Jackson’s game that need polishing; however, bar some subpar finishing, the attacker proudly put the shiny, polished parts of his game on display for all Bayern fans to enjoy.
Meister of the Match: Luis Díaz
Luis Diaz joined Bayern with a suitcase full of skepticism surrounding him. He’s too old. He’s not consistent enough. He’s too expensive. Well, the Colombian has squashed every concern surrounding him while he quietly enjoys his best ever season of football.
The Colombian’s impact on this Bayern side goes beyond numbers. It’s his work-rate, it’s his passion and it’s his reluctance to be the star man. Diaz is a team player, and the Bayern have been reaping the rewards since his arrival from Liverpool in the Summer.
26 goal involvements in 23 Bundesliga appearances. What more need be said about “Lucho”, Bayern’s Colombian superstar?
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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