After suffering a cruciate ligament tear last season, Niklas Süle’s plan was to get back to Bayern Munich’s starting eleven, but things have not been so easy for the Germany international. After beginning the season with a false-positive Covid-19 test and some lingering fitness problems, Süle has seemingly lost his spot next to David Alaba to Jerome Boateng.
Even Hansi Flick has somewhat confirmed this according to Bild, “Boateng and Alaba are set at the moment.” The numbers are also against Süle. Boateng and Alaba each have 17 Bundesliga appearances, while Süle only has eight — three of which were at right-back. However, Bayern nor Flick have given up on Süle. On why he played Süle at right-back, Flick said, “Niki brings us stability in the defense as well as another option.”
BFW Commentary
I personally don’t think that now is the time to panic for Süle. There are changes coming to this club. Alaba (unfortunately) seems to have one foot out of the door and Boateng shows his age often when he has to try to chase down a counter-attack from behind. I also quite enjoy seeing Süle play at right-back. He doesn’t look like it would be a good fit because of his size, but he has the speed and athleticism to get up and down the field. Also, Benjamin Pavard has not won the position outright.
I can’t say when or at what position it will be, but I am certain that if Süle can ride out this storm of uncertainty he can have a great impact on the club and be a leader in the defense for seasons to come.