Steady Benjamin Pavard gives Bayern Munich security

When Bayern Munich signed Benjamin Pavard in 2019, his versatility across the backline was lauded by many as a key aspect to his signing. His ability to play at center-back and right-back was going to be instrumental in giving the Bayern coaching staff the opportunity to shift Joshua Kimmich into midfield from time to time. Less than a year later, Pavard has locked down the right-back position.

Meep meep! Get your own “Bayern Road Runner” T-shirt!

BreakingT

Pavard’s performances for Stuttgart and France over the previous few years let Bayern fans know that they were getting, at worst, a solid contributor; however, few would’ve imagined a world where Pavard was good enough to keep Kimmich in the midfield permanently. Now, with Bayern targeting three trophies in the next few months, Pavard is the club’s right-back.

Still, despite the excellent season that Pavard has enjoyed at right-back, rumors continue to churn that the club is chasing a “future.” Who is it that Bayern want to slot in at right-back in favor of the 24-year-old Pavard? Is it the 19-year-old Sergino Dest? The 21-year-old Dodo? What about some 16-year-old kid from Brazil?

Why not... Pavard?

Admittedly, the Frenchman’s ceiling is probably not as high as Dest or Dodo. He may never reach the heights that those two could reach in the future. Both Dest and Dodo have shown flashes of a dynamism that Pavard will likely never reach. However, has Pavard found a performance "floor" that is higher than either of the younger players?

Consistency has been the key to Pavard's play at right-back so far this season. While he's never going to get the accolades that Alphonso Davies has received (and, rightly so, mind you), Pavard goes onto that field night after night and gives Bayern solid performance after solid performance.

Right-back at Bayern is Pavard's position to lose now. If anyone is going to take it from him in the future, they'll need to be great. He's not giving it up without a fight.