Match awards from Bayern Munich’s comfortable 3-1 win against Freiburg

This was yet another routine win for Bayern, who don’t seem like slowing down. They were relentless on the attack, determined on the ball, and maintained a high-octane press, giving the Freiburg midfielders a tough time.

Jersey Swap: Alexander Schwolow and Yannik Keitel

If not for Schwolow, the scoreline would’ve been more like 8-1. He pulled off 3 stupendous saves in the first half and one amazing one in the second. He was really assured at the back and couldn’t do much about the goals conceded. As is very often the case, yet another goalkeeper has put on a superb performance against Bayern.

Keitel shares the plaudits because of how influential he was in midfield. The young talent waltzed across the back line and sent the through ball which was the hockey assist for the second goal. After subbing him off, Freiburg failed to get any real momentum in midfield. He looks to have a good future ahead.

Tip of the Cap: Lucas Hernandez

Hernandez was very solid defensively (apart from one sloppy pass), highly involved in the attack, and never one to shy off challenges. This was a highly improved outing from the Frenchman, who hasn’t seen much game time this season.

Golf Clap: Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich

Leon Goretzka was nothing short of a steamroller today. He was all over the pitch — defense, attack, midfield. He was there to bail the defense on a number of occasions, put in strong tackles, and outmuscled Freiburg’s midfield, schooling them all along. His powerful attempt on goal was what rebounded off Schwolow for Lewandowski’s first goal, and he was close to scoring on two occasions, courtesy of some fine play from Thomas Müller.

Joshua Kimmich, Goretzka’s midfield partner in crime, was just as good today. Distributing the ball with great accuracy, being efficient with his time on the ball, scoring a great goal off a layoff from Lewandowski — this is as complete as a midfield performance gets. Kimmich is looking like prime Kroos, only grittier and quicker.

With Thiago also in the fray, if Bayern’s midfield can replicate this form in the UCL, it’s hard to not see Bayern as clear favourites to become European champions.

Standing Ovation: Thomas Müller

Oh, Tommy boy! His performance today was a prime example of why goals and assists don’t mean everything, especially when it comes to individual player stats. He was raumdeutering all around the attacking third, showed hunger for a goal or assist every minute he was on the pitch, was responsible for two wonderful pre-assists, and really should have had at least a goal and an assist today, if not for some spectacular keeping by Schwolow. Of course, it was quite frustrating not to see him register an assist (with which he would’ve put the record assists debate to bed), but hey, there’s still one game to go, and everything suggests he will be primed to pull it off then.

Meister of the Match: Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski is possibly the best footballer on the planet right now. His form is absolutely extraordinary. He scored a clinical brace and was effervescent in Bayern’s attack, assisting the first goal with a beautiful layoff for Kimmich, therefore being directly involved in all 3 of Bayern’s goals. But that’s not the main reason he gets the top award today.

At the beginning of the game, due to Bayern lacking any pure wingers (Sarpreet and Mueller excel in the AM role), Lewandowski drifted wide to the wings on many occasions, and held his own, making some good runs and incisive passes. After Bayern picked up some pace, we witnessed Lewandowski once again unlocking his “prime midfielder” mode. He was omnipresent in the midfield, and supplied the players with delicious through balls and great lobs. This was footballing at its best, its most complete.

Being this good both as a striker and in a deeper role is why Lewandowski is the world’s best striker. It is great to see him as such a complete player at the peak of his powers. He’s been one of the prime reasons why Bayern has been in such imperious form in both the Bundesliga, the Pokal as well as the UCL, and it’s not a stretch to think that he will be more than capable to lead us to a possible treble this season.

Honorary mentions: Jerome Boateng, Mickael Cuisance

Boateng was solid at CB, and put in some great balls from the top as usual. A routine outing.

Cuisance showed a lot of finesse and skill on the ball but was frustrating to watch at times. We get the impression he was trying too hard to impress, and if, maybe, he quickens his decision-making and becomes more efficient with his passing, he could be a vital part of Bayern’s future plans.