How can Bayern Munich replace Thomas Müller in the lineup?

All of a sudden, Bayern Munich were hit with a barrage of injuries and illnesses that have left Hansi Flick scrambling a bit.

While most positions on the roster have a natural back-up, Thomas Müller’s “10” position alongside Robert Lewandowski does not necessarily offer a defined replacement. While Müller has never given us the Jamie Lannister treatment (“There are no men like me. Only me.”), it is easy for most observers to come to that exact conclusion.

Filling the Raumdeuter’s shoes certainly won’t be easy, but Flick will no doubt have a few quality options to try out in the spot. One of those players, however, would have been Serge Gnabry, but he is out of pocket with a thigh injury.

Photo by M. Donato/Getty Images for FC Bayern

Let’s a take a quick look at which available players might be able to fill that void:

• Leon Goretzka: Battling — but apparently cleared from — COVID-19, Goretzka is not unfamiliar with playing a little further up the pitch. With a powerful shot, good movement off the ball, and a fearless demeanor in the box, Goretzka could be a very nice option for Flick to use alongside Lewandowski. The problem, however, is that if Goretzka moves up, then Flick has to backfill his spot as part of the double-pivot.
• Corentin Tolisso: It can be argued that Tolisso is more suited to impact the game as a “10” than sitting back deeper. For all of his inconsistencies this season, Tolisso does have a powerful shot and a keen eye toward scoring opportunities. While he won’t be able to replicate Müller’s movement or unselfish style, Tolisso could be a dangerous option for Flick to use in that role.
• Jamal Musiala: Perhaps the most natural replacement for Müller, Musiala is also the youngest and least experienced option. With fantastic footwork and creativity, Musiala could certainly provide a disruptive presence that might potentially open up some space for Lewandowski. If there is one criticism of the youngster it is that he sometimes doesn’t always see the full field, which could become a sore spot for Lewandowski, who has come to expect being fed the ball repeatedly.
• Joshua Kimmich: Perhaps not an obvious choice, but one that could work. Kimmich has excellent vision and movement and might understand what is required in the role better than the other candidates. With a dangerous shot of his own, Flick could opt to get a little creative and maximize just about everything Kimmich can do on the pitch.
• Leroy Sane: Sane has a tendency to drift centrally anyway and could fulfill some duties of the role by becoming a second striker. The problem with this, though, would again be about backfilling a position. Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Douglas Costa would have to start at wing should Sane shift inside.

So...who would you like to see step in and try to fill Müller’s shoes?