Bayern Munich youngster Fiete Arp is hard on himself, but gaining respect from others

Bayern Munich signee Fiete Arp asserted himself nicely during his first two appearances with the club and has run the gamut of impressing teammates and opponents alike. Still, the 19-year-old has managed to stay humble and even deliver some criticism of himself.

After Bayern Munich’s 3-1 win over Real Madrid on Saturday night, Arp came down a little hard on his own performance according to Sport1:

It was my only good action [against Marcelo]. I instinctively went to my right foot and unfortunately the ball did not go in. At least that was something positive that I can take away from the game. Today I realized where my limits are right now; whether with or without the ball, the pace was a bit too high for me at the moment. I’m learning the most from such games, because I’ve seen it done at the highest level and analyzing the game will be a great help.

Arp’s move against a respected player like Marcelo — and Marcelo’s subsequent acknowledgement of Arp’s quality — shows the potential the young player has.

Below, Sport1 captured the gesture by Real Madrid’s outside-back to Arp:

Arp’s own self-critique shows the keen awareness that youngster has of how high the level of play is surrounding him. Even his most harsh critics, however, would likely agree that the forward asserted himself well against both Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer have already commented on Arp’s progress so far, while Real Madrid midfielder and Germany international Toni Kroos also gave his take on Arp’s progress with the Bavarian club:

He’s from Hamburg, and it’ll be a change for him in Munich. Playing against Real is probably something very special for him, as well. But Bayern did not get him for nothing; they saw something in him. It’s clear that he is not playing away against Real at this point, but it still has to compete in such games, and he did.

Arp also spoke to the Gulf Times after the Arsenal match about playing wing as opposed to striker, where many expected to see him lineup.

It didn’t feel bad. I am not really a tall center forward. It suits me quite well to play from the wing. It was a lot of fun. For the first time with the players from our team on the pitch against such an opponent — that’s all quite big.

When pressed about how he felt stepping into the role vacated by Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery against Arsenal, Arp gave a measured response:

Franck Ribery’s footsteps are too big. I would rather be Fiete Arp.

With such a positive attitude, mature mindset, and strong work ethic, Arp definitely has taken the right approach for how a young player should attempt to break into a power club like Bayern Munich.