Daily Schmankerl: Bit-James or James Coin? Plus MORE!

James Rodriguez truly making his own brand via crypto? (ESPN)

Uh, this is well.....interesting to say the least.

James Rodriguez took the 2014 World Cup by storm finishing as top scorer and ahead of this summer’s event in Russia, the Colombia playmaker has launched his own cryptocurrency to “reflect his brand values and build stronger fan relationships.”

Okay...

The Bayern Munich attacker, on a two-year loan from Real Madrid, has enjoyed an impressive debut season in Germany and has celebrated his success by unveiling the “JR10 Token,” which will be available for pre-purchase via the SelfSell App on May 27. James David Rodriguez Rubio thus becomes a trailblazer as the first international footballer to delve into the blockchain world through his own cryptocurrency asset.

So what does this actually mean?

According to SelfSell, “JR10 Token” holders can enjoy exclusive offers and privileges, including souvenir products, taking part in fan club meetings and generally playing their part in growing James’ brand.

Okay. I sort of get that (sort of...kinda). Robert Lewandowski will have to step his game up now in the the race for most prominent “personal brand” on the squad.

Thomas Müller to captain Die Mannschaft if Manuel Neuer can’t play (FCBayern.com)

In a move that seems like a no-brainer, Thomas Müller will be Germany’s captain should Manuel Neuer be unfit to play.

Thomas Müller is already captain Manuel Neuer’s deputy at FC Bayern, but Germany coach Joachim Löw has stated that the 2010 Golden Boot winner will also fulfill the role at the summer’s World Cup should Neuer not be fit to play. “Thomas can do an amazing stand-in job because he’s a player with a good relationship to everyone in the team,” Löw said in a newspaper interview. “Even in the most serious of moments, he never forgets to have fun.” When asked of Neuer’s current fitness, which has been cast into doubt by the broken foot that has seen him out since September, the Germany coach responded: “I’m optimistic and am assuming Manuel Neuer will make it.”

Müller is a natural in the role and it could be argued should have been named captain ahead of Neuer in the first place. That’s not a knock on Neuer; just an acknowledgement of how much weight Müller carries on the team.

Jogi Löw talks his striker situation (@DFB_Tem_EN)

With the omission of Sandro Wagner in the rear view mirror, Die Mannschaft manager Joachim Löw talked the importance of having three strikers in camp and also his interest in seeing how Nils Petersen adjusts to the high level of talent around him.

With Timo Werner as “Option 1,” the battle to back up the RB Leipzig man falls between Mario Gomez and Petersen. As camp continues, the competition will heat up even more so. Since four players have to be cut, it is conceivable that Löw will go to Russia with Werner and one backup, ultimately relying on players like Thomas Muller or Marco Reus to provide a false “9” presence if needed.

FCBayern.com give you all the stats (FCBayern.com)

Courtesy of the fine folks at FCBayern.com, the club’s website compiled the following stats for the season, which are here for your viewing pleasure:

Who scored the most goals?

• Lewandowski 41
• Müller 15
• Tolisso 10
• Wagner 9
• James 8

Who had the most assists?

• Müller 16
• James 14
• Kimmich 15
• Robben 10
• Tolisso 8

Who had the most shots?

• Lewandowski 154
• Müller 60
• Robben 59
• Wagner 57
• Vidal 52

Who hit the woodwork most often?

• Lewandowski 4
• Coman 3
• Tolisso 3
• James 3
• Vidal 3

Who played the most passes?

• Hummels 2,912
• Kimmich 2,833
• James 2,260
• Süle 2,204
• Rafinha 2,132

Who contested the most challenges?

• Lewandowski 676
• Hummels 597
• Müller 551
• Vidal 541
• Kimmich 519

Who ran the furthest? (excluding DFB Cup/Supercup)

• Kimmich 418 km
• Lewandowski 348 km
• Müller 335 km
• Hummels 317 km
• James 304 km

Who made the most appearances?

• Lewandowski 48
• Kimmich 47
• Ulreich 47
• Müller 45
• Süle 42

Who made the most substitute appearances?

• Coman 16
• Tolisso 14
• Rudy 14
• Rafinha 13
• Süle 12