Bavarian Football Works - BFW Postseason Breakdown 2018-2019: All articlesManufacturing goals in the German tradition, for domestic consumption and for export.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47275/bavarian-fave.png2019-06-07T16:20:00+02:00http://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/rss/stream/184159012019-06-07T16:20:00+02:002019-06-07T16:20:00+02:00BFW Postseason Breakdown: Player Who Needs to Have a Big Season Next Year
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<p>Who needs to “step it up” for Bayern Munich next season?</p> <p id="ofdO9T">Every season presents itself as a challenge for each player. Where does a player fit on a roster? Is there competition at his preferred position? Every player likely feels at least a little pressure in trying to claim his position on the pitch.</p>
<p id="ODeoGw">Given what we know about next season’s roster to date, we asked our staff which players need to have a big season or “step it up” to prove their worth to the front office. The responses — as you can imagine — varied.</p>
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<figcaption>Will Benjamin Pavard be able to assert himself next season or become the latest player to get grounded on the bench because of Bayern’s roster depth?</figcaption>
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<h2 id="CPixuB"><strong>Chuck Smith: Benjamin Pavard</strong></h2>
<p id="rJPuaR">I know . . . it seems like I am picking on the new guy, but I think Benjamin Pavard is in a tenuous spot. He’s young, talented, and a proven winner, but he’s going to be in a tough battle for playing time with <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>. Does he slot in at center-back where he’ll have to scrape time away from Niklas Sule, <span>Mats Hummels</span>, and Lucas Hernandez or does he have to be the back-up to <span>Joshua Kimmich</span> at right-back? Or . . . does Kimmich bump to midfield and Pavard take over at right-back? There are many possibilities for Pavard, but it remains to be seen whether he will be happy if he does not break into the starting XI. One thing is certain, if he displays the inconsistency he showed at VfB <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/vfb-stuttgart">Stuttgart</a> this season, he won’t have an easy time in Munich.</p>
<h2 id="vjR7xM"><strong>Ben Erwin: Kingsley Coman</strong></h2>
<p id="gNV78c">The French winger has shown flashes of brilliance over the last two campaigns, and it is time for him to put it all together over the course of the season. Injuries have plagued his promising career, but he will be given the opportunity to take the reins of the offense and make the jump to world-class status. He is truly a game-changer with his pace, creativity and improved end product. A big season from the King could propel Bayern Munich back to the latter stages of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>.</p>
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<strong>Phillip Quinn: </strong><span><strong>Manuel Neuer</strong></span>
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<p id="A63lf8">There are two things that Manuel Neuer must do next season for Bayern Munich to be successful. First, he needs to stay healthy. Neuer has missed way too many games over the last couple of seasons due to an assortment of lower leg ailments, from foot injuries to calf problems. It’s hard to be a great goalkeeper when you can’t stay on the field. Second, Neuer needs to play like he did toward the end of the season. In the first half of the season, Neuer was a near disaster on the the field. Whether it was the calamitous errors or the complete lack of confidence, Neuer was directly responsible for several dropped points for Bayern. If Neuer is ready to go next season, watch out, Europe.</p>
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<figcaption>Will Corentin Tolisso be able to regain his form afer missing most of 2018-2019 with a serious knee injury? The Bayern midfield is loaded and playing time will be a battle for all of the players involved. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="Et3p7r"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Corentin Tolisso </strong></h2>
<p id="OkrGrF">This might seem very harsh, but our second-highest-most-expensive transfer ever needs to have a solid season next year. Tolisso had a very good first season and a very unlucky second one, nearly all of which he missed. It is harsh, although there is not much room for sentiment at Säbener Strasse: Tolisso needs to impress in his third season in Bavaria. With Thiago Alcantara, Leon Goretzka and <span>Javi Martinez</span> having a good season and rumors that Bayern may sign a new midfielder, Tolisso needs to prove to Kovac that he is still as talented as he was before the 2018-2019 season.</p>
<h2 id="y5XTzD"><strong>Ineednoname: Everyone?</strong></h2>
<p id="SzxMIM">Literally every single player on this squad can go up a level or two, and that’s what we need next season if we want to challenge for the Champions League. Many of our players have shown glimpses of what they’re truly capable of, but aside from maybe <span>Robert Lewandowski</span>, none of them have maintained a constant level of excellence. I want Joshua Kimmich to attack/defend every game like he did against Leipzig. I want Coman to score/assist every game like he did against <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/augsburg">Augsburg</a>. I want Muller to score/assist every game like he did against Bremen. I want Manuel Neuer to pull out wondersaves every game like he did against Leipzig. </p>
<p id="SIAKSj">That’s what we need. </p>
<h2 id="rqziMP"><strong>Brian Burton: Thomas Müller</strong></h2>
<p id="RQwuXi">Ever since his career year in 2015-2016, the <em>Raumdeuter</em> hasn’t quite been the same. Through his long Bayern tenure, he’s proven that he’s valuable to the team, but he was also just cut from the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a> squad before turning 30. He’s facing more competition than ever for his spot, as younger players like <span>Leon Goretzka</span> and Corentin Tolisso vie for playing time. It seems like some are losing faith in him, and if he doesn’t impress next year, people may begin to agree with Jogi Löw’s decision. But it’s up to him to prove everyone wrong. Ten <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a> goals for Germany and 110 goals for Bayern Munich may look good on a stat sheet, but a season of vintage Thomas Müller would do well to jog all of our memories.</p>
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<strong>Logan Chugg: </strong><span><strong>Alphonso Davies</strong></span>
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<p id="MAfNRS">After signing on with Bayern in January, Davies only saw minimal time with the first team. While already fighting for minutes, the young Canadian injured himself while celebrating his first Bundesliga goal. After doing a rehab stint with Bayern II, Davies barely made the 18. Next year could be a pivotal season for Davies. His play in the coming months could decide whether Davies will have a legitimate future with Bayern’s first-team, or if he will be destined to stay with Bayern II in the lower leagues. </p>
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<p id="K3rYYU">Our writers gave their scorching hot takes . . . what about you? Tell us in the poll below and also in the comments. Also, this is our last category, so thanks to you all for reading, I will post poll results in an upcoming <em>Daily Schmankerl</em>. </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/7/18646718/bayern-munich-manuel-neuer-corentin-tolisso-benjamin-pavard-thomas-muller-bfw-postseason-breakdownCSmith19192019-06-06T18:00:00+02:002019-06-06T18:00:00+02:00BFW Postseason Breakdown: Player We Most Want to Transfer Out
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<p>What players most needs an exit from Munich?</p> <p id="eLoi4D">When navigating the treacherous terrain of the transfer market, it can sometimes be hard to take a look at the <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> roster and think about shipping out any of the talent that currently exists. </p>
<p id="kYgy0W">Sure, there are some players who could probably benefit from a change of scenery to help their own careers, but which player do you think needs to make a move for the betterment of himself or the team? Our writers gave their picks below, what do you think?</p>
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<p id="GdjZmv"><em>(Please note that these votes were recorded before the news became official about </em><span><em>James Rodriguez</em></span><em> on Wednesday, but that does not change the rationale of why the writers wanted the player to leave). </em></p>
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<figcaption>He had his moments, but Renato Sanches might need a change of scenery to get the playing time he needs to further his development. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="EHtRle"><strong>Chuck Smith: Renato Sanches</strong></h2>
<p id="mXmGfa">For as much as I criticized Renato Sanches through his time with Bayern Munich, I feel like this is a move that NEEDS to happen for the player. I don’t feel like Sanches is at the level of <span>Thiago Alcantara</span>, <span>Javi Martinez</span>, <span>Leon Goretzka</span>, or Corentin Tolisso. If being the fifth-best option for two spots is the best Sanches can do here, I’d rather see him get an opportunity elsewhere because I do believe he needs consistent playing time to further develop. This is the classic, “It’s not you, it’s me” scenario. The biggest question is really whether Bayern will swallow its pride and accept less of a transfer fee than it paid out for the 21-year-old. </p>
<h2 id="ObRHtX"><strong>Phillip Quinn: Nobody?</strong></h2>
<p id="ajKKmq">I wanted to be funny and make a joke here about James Rodriguez, but I never want a talented player to leave. My assumption has been that James Rodriguez and <span>Jerome Boateng</span> are the two likeliest outgoing transfers for Bayern this summer among first team players. Renato Sanches <strong>could</strong> be on his way out, but the club could still see enough value in him to give him another shot this summer as he very clearly showed demonstrable growth under Niko Kovac. Maybe Javi Martinez? He’ll be 31 at the start of next season, and it’s not like his legs are getting any younger. </p>
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<figcaption>Jerome Boateng and James Rodriguez certainly have talent, but can they exist on next season’s roster in fulfilling roles?</figcaption>
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<h2 id="jvhOzT"><strong>Ben Erwin: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="KvT1rC">At first I wanted to say Renato Sanches or Jerome Boateng so they can get the playing time they rightly deserve, but realized this one had to be James. The transfer saga surrounding the Colombian is disruptive and played out. He clearly does not want to be in Munich, and Kovac does not seem to have a spot for his world-class skill set. It was fun while it lasted, but a mutual parting of ways seems inevitable. It’s not all bad, however, as his departure wouId open up space in the midfield logjam for the return of Corentin Tolisso. </p>
<h2 id="2t1BBr"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Jerome Boateng and James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="bUbVGN">I am thankful for what Boateng has done for the club. He was part of the crucial center-back partnership with Dante during the treble-winning season. However, when he doesn’t thank the fans and don’t celebrate with the rest of the players after winning the double, I think it is best to let him go. I partly understand his frustration. Prior to the 2018/19 season, Boateng has been a starter whenever he was not injured. But his attitude is something that won’t help anyone, including himself. In hindsight, it would have been better to sell him last summer. If we decide to let him go now, we can still get a decent amount for him, and more importantly I think it will beneficial for both parties. </p>
<p id="N0UfWS">As for James: just send him back to Madrid. </p>
<h2 id="kInYLV"><strong>Ineednoname: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="6iLCl2">He needs to go and take his stans with him. I have no problem with James personally, but his fanbase is toxic and pretends like Munich will sink into the ocean once he leaves. Please leave our club alone. </p>
<h2 id="dOyIvD"><strong>Brian Burton: Jerome Boateng</strong></h2>
<p id="qevCoL">I mean, he already wanted to leave last year so why not finally grant that wish? Fans will always recognize him as one of the best defenders in the club’s history, but the hard truth is that he’s nowhere near that level anymore. With newcomers Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard arriving next season, it’s looking like Bayern will have to choose between Boateng and Mats Hummels. Based on Hummels’ outstanding <em>Rückrunde</em>, I’d much rather have him over Boateng. </p>
<p id="KIQFy6">Even over the course of his career, Boateng has been haunted by injuries. He’s only getting older (he’s turning 31 in September), and those injury concerns will only increase. Is it really worth keeping an older, injury-prone player when we could instead build around newer and younger ones?</p>
<h2 id="BmVeMW"><strong>Logan Chugg: Jerome Boateng</strong></h2>
<p id="uUoq2m">This one hurts me to say, but I think that it would be the best interest for both parties if Boateng transferred out this season. Although you never know what the future has to hold, Bayern seems pretty set with Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels at center-back. To me, this situation is like Bastian Schweinsteiger’s departure to Manchester United. It seems like Boateng probably won’t get a proper good-bye, which he deserves for all that he has given to this club.</p>
<p id="eVSYwy">With all this said, I would hope that he would transfer outside of the Bundesliga. I believe that he still has potential to play in the Premier League. Another possible move could be to China, as many Europeans have done.</p>
<h2 id="w7SolY"><strong>John Dillon: Renato Sanches</strong></h2>
<p id="ZyjiFx">Bayern needs to own up to the fact that buying Sanches was a mistake. He has consistently struggled for playing time and has not risen his game to a level where he can contend for minutes. He also is an unhappy presence in the locker room. Perhaps Sanches can revive his fortunes elsewhere. It is clear, however, that he will never cut it at Bayern.</p>
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<p id="tFQlHW">We’ve put out our opinions, now gives us your in the poll below or in the comments: </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/6/18646717/bayern-munich-james-rodriguez-renato-sanches-jerome-boateng-bfw-postseason-breakdown-transferCSmith19192019-06-05T16:30:00+02:002019-06-05T16:30:00+02:00BFW Postseason breakdown: Biggest Disappointment
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<p>Who let you down the most this season from Bayern Munich’s roster?</p> <p id="06CONr">When it comes to <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s “Biggest Disappointment”, the entire group of BFW staff members who responded actually agreed on something for once. <span>James Rodriguez</span> is a great player with fantastic skill, but for a multitude of reasons, thing never fully clicked for him this season at Bayern. </p>
<p id="wpTTZA">Below, our writers detailed why we thought James was the biggest disappointment in Munich this season.</p>
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<h2 id="a7IMKW"><strong>Chuck Smith: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="mtyyHb">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/colombia">Colombia</a> international certainly does not lack talent, but he seemed an ill fit for what Niko Kovac wanted from his midfielders. I thought he was outplayed by <span>Thomas Müller</span> as an attacking midfielder and his lack of defensive aptitude prevented Niko Kovac from deploying him deeper as part of the double pivot. An exquisite passer with a deft touch and phenomenal skill, James just never got on track consistently this season. Whether it was injuries, attitude, or just a lack of desire in being in Bavaria, James was only able to show brief flashes of why he was considered a hot commodity just a few years ago. </p>
<p id="OhWtFU">I thought about Renato Sanches here mostly because Kovac made a concerted effort to try and build-up the 21-year-old, but I ultimately opted for James because Sanches at least showed some growth while he was on the pitch. </p>
<h2 id="dX2gT9"><strong>Phillip Quinn: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="x7fccH">This was quite the disappointing follow-up campaign to last season when James Rodriguez was enjoyable to watch on the field. He clearly isn’t going to be first choice for Niko Kovac when Thomas Müller is available ahead of him, and throughout the year, it was evident that this wasn’t an appealing proposition to James. It didn’t help that he was injured for so long. It’s hard to see him returning to Munich, as I’m sure James can be a star player at a lesser club. Fare thee well, James. Good luck.</p>
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<figcaption>There were not the kind of results James was hoping for this season. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="PYw9HO"><strong>Berni15: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="K6JYfj">This one seems pretty straight forward. James established himself as a key player under Jupp Heynckes, but has yet to impress Niko Kovac. Injuries and a tiresome transfer saga have taken away from the brilliance of the Colombian when healthy and in the first XI. Thomas Muller doesn’t look likely to relinquish his position and James doesn’t seem to have any intention of staying in Munich. Hopefully he can land on his feet in a squad that can take advantage of his unique and special skill set. </p>
<h2 id="auNenR"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: James Rodriguez </strong></h2>
<p id="ZeVlZ3">Think it’s very clear for the people reading the comment section that I am not a fan of James Rodriguez. Complaining publicly about playing time, giving the head coach attitude, and seeming generally uninterested at times on the pitch, this has not been a good season for the clearly very talented Colombian international. Bayern played their best football when James was on the bench and I am relieved we did permanently sign him.</p>
<h2 id="Hg9Ium"><strong>Ineednoname: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="VII5Qi">This is mostly based on the two <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> games. With Thomas Müller out with a suspension, it was up to James to be the offensive fulcrum of the team and show us why he deserves to be a Bayern player. He got plenty of time to settle back into the lineup beforehand, and we all hoped that he would be the guy to step up and keep things ticking. Instead, he dropped one of the worst performances I have ever seen from him, and the worst performance out of any player on the squad. </p>
<p id="UP2Ugz">Those two games + all the injuries are the reason he was the most disappointing player for me. </p>
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<figcaption>After poor performances against Liverpool, James suffered through a benching and injuries. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="X2m2Q3"><strong>Brian Burton: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="pdzeYd">Prior to the start of this season, I was really hopeful James would assume an important role in the team and be here for years to come. Now it’s looking like he’ll never wear a Bayern kit again (actually just confirmed!). He wasn’t a disappointment because of his quality of play, but rather due to his lack of playing. Case in point: he missed ten Bundesliga games due to injury, but when he played he still managed a total of seven goals and four assists. </p>
<p id="SuDDpd">The blunt answer, however, is that there’s no need or room for him in Munich. We have a deep midfield that is also very competitive. So, based on my original expectations for James and his actual contributions for the season, he’s my biggest disappointment.</p>
<h2 id="aDu13M"><strong>Logan Chugg: James Rodriguez</strong></h2>
<p id="GCUdRp">I think all Bayern fans were excited to hear of James’ loan to Munich. I don’t think that anyone would have thought that he would be such a flop. Like many, I hoped that this would be the last piece needed for Bayern to take finally make it over the hump and win the Champions League once again. However, James never seemed to click while at Bayern. Although we saw glimpses of brilliance from him, I don’t believe that we ever saw the full potential that James has to offer. </p>
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<p id="2SwZsa">Did we hit the mark? Give us your vote in the poll below and in the comments: </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/5/18646716/bayern-munich-bfw-postseason-breakdown-biggest-disappointment-james-rodriguez-renato-sanchesCSmith19192019-06-04T16:15:00+02:002019-06-04T16:15:00+02:00BFW postseason breakdown: Most Outstanding Commenter
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<p>It’s been a crazy year within the BFW community, who was your favorite community member to interact with or read?</p> <p id="FQhAl3">The majority of the reason that the Bavarian Football Works community has been so fun over the past season for <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> is the insight and constant discussion from the community members. There have been so many great arguments, funny comments, and overall excellent discussions that it would be impossible to honor every terrific community membes that we have. </p>
<p id="PJtHqw">Our writers took a little time and selected who they each thought was the “Most Outstanding Commenter” and through not fault of our own, it’s looking might Canadian in here. </p>
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<h2 id="FcyRPu"><strong>Chuck Smith: RLD</strong></h2>
<p id="sGZnfi">There are many, many excellent commenters in the community. Whether they are funny, intellectual, sarcastic, or just love to engage in discussion, we’ve got a lot of people who make diving into the comments a complete blast. Last year, I selected Markopolo for this, so I took him out of the mix despite another tremendous year of hating <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/werder-bremen">Werder Bremen</a> and being ready for #TimoTime. </p>
<p id="G4R89N">Believe it or not, I found myself casting a vote for another Canadian, RLD (Canadian BIAS!). RLD is an interactive community member always willing to have a discussion and always willing to pass things along that he feels make the community better. There were several of you who were awesome over the past season (Arvinnnnnn<strong>,</strong> Armoghan Mohammed, Anfi8, Fergus25, are_doubleyou, farawayfan2, Raumdeuter#25, Bayern München, maseren, Brig13, JMill77, and way too many others to keep listing).</p>
<p id="OsLQiG">So many good candidates (except that one guy who said he doesn’t care for anything I write...F that guy...haha).</p>
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<h2 id="yO7GFN"><strong>Ineednoname: Himself</strong></h2>
<p id="Gw6efx">Me, of course. In terms of both quality and quantity of comments, I am the BEST.</p>
<h2 id="klLfsQ"><strong>John N. Dillon: Markopolo</strong></h2>
<p id="m1tNJS">Markopolo still cracks me up after all these years. The gifs, the walls of ahahahahaha, and it’s fun to see wave after wave of new members ask him why he hates Werder so much.</p>
<h2 id="h1Hk8d"><strong>MiranKoFCB: are_doubleyou</strong></h2>
<p id="qu1ZBV">There are so many good options, I went with are_doubleyou for the consistent good commentary and always participating in big discussions. </p>
<h2 id="OoY8cB"><strong>Berni15: Markopolo</strong></h2>
<p id="fiXfpf">Oh wow, this is a tough one because there are oh so many in the BFW family. I’m gonna have to go with Marko Polo. His use of memes, humor, hatred for Bremen and his positive, rational perspective is an asset to the comment section and the site as a whole.</p>
<h2 id="vDaN9b"><strong>LKChuggz: RLD</strong></h2>
<p id="QREdAo">I am not very active in the comments, unfortunately. However, I do like reading the comments on my articles. RLD always leaves great comments and interacts well with other commenters.</p>
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<figcaption>Whether you are #KovacIn or #KovacOut, we enjoyed your commentary. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="UFW3Nu"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Ineednoname</strong></h2>
<p id="FXoG8j">I don’t agree with everything he says but there is a reason why Ineednoname is BFW’s community guru. Also, I enjoy reading comments from frequent community members such as Markopolo, RLD, farawayfan2, Nasty Effects, Anfi8, Brett Favre, Brig13 and JMiII77. Apologies if I missed anyone, I think it’s brilliant we can discuss the developments of our favorite football club with respect and dignity even when we don’t agree with each other.</p>
<h2 id="ymlyyi"><strong>Brian Burton: Markopolo</strong></h2>
<p id="1ojtCM">We can always count on Markopolo to channel the mentality of a diehard Bayern fan, even if that means beating on Werder Bremen. He comments on almost every single post. Now that’s commitment. He’s never afraid to let his opinion be known, and he calls it like he sees it. That’s probably the best quality a commenter can have. Plus he has some humor, so that never hurts.</p>
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<cite>EB via Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The BFW commenters helped make this season our best ever.</figcaption>
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<p id="WUzwgB">Our writers made their picks, tell us your below (and don’t be made if you were omitted, there were a ton of really good options here!): </p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/4/18625158/bayern-munich-bfw-postseason-breakdown-most-outstanding-commenter-bavarian-football-worksCSmith19192019-06-03T15:00:00+02:002019-06-03T15:00:00+02:00BFW postseason breakdown: The Player We Are Most Excited to Watch Next Season
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<figcaption>Bongarts/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Which player are you most excited to watch next season?</p> <p id="pIXOZe">With the 2018-2019 season in the rear view mirror, it is time to look ahead. There will be change with the <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> roster, but we won’t know the full extent for quite some time. </p>
<p id="BfHliW">With Lucas Hernandez, VfB <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/vfb-stuttgart">Stuttgart</a>’s Benjamin Pavard, and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/hamburger-sv-hsv">Hamburger SV</a>’s Jann-Fiete Arp already confirmed, the transfer market could bring in even flashier names, but as of now we’ve got those three players and the current roster to work with. </p>
<p id="QAVJaL">Below, we asked our writers to think about which player they are most excited to watch next season. Most of the staff focused on young players who are looking to break through, while other writers took a look at veterans who should be line for big seasons. </p>
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<figcaption>Aside of sporting some tremendous hair, Leon Goretzka should be even better in red next season. </figcaption>
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<strong>Chuck Smith: </strong><span><strong>Leon Goretzka</strong></span>
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<p id="N2UE3m">I like a lot of things that Leon Goretzka brought to the field this past season. I loved his aggression in driving to the box and how he used his athleticism to create mismatches for Bayern offense. I thought he worked incredibly well as the “offensive” piece of the double pivot and how he gelled with <span>Thomas Müller</span> and Robert Lewandowski. Does the 24-year-old have some areas for improvement within his game? Sure, but he’s got great tools and a fearless offensive attitude. I am really looking forward to seeing him compliment the front four of Lewandowski, Muller, <span>Serge Gnabry</span>, and Kingsley Coman next season. </p>
<h2 id="Ngnmyj"><strong>Ineednoname: Thomas Müller</strong></h2>
<p id="ItoX6A">I want to see what Thomas Müller can do when he’s played in his preferred position for an entire season. For the last two years, he’s always been either out of the lineup or moved onto the right for one reason or another, destroying his rhythm. Just play him behind the striker, get a proper set of wingers to support him, and watch the carnage happen.</p>
<h2 id="bIJ3qz"><strong>John N. Dillon: Corentin Tolisso</strong></h2>
<p id="xcTM4u">It was a lost year for Coco. An ACL tear minutes after scoring a goal derailed a very promising start to Bayern’s erstwhile Most Expensive Transfer™ (for all of a season). Tolisso shows immense promise, and I’d love to see whether he can fill the shoes of <span>Arturo Vidal</span>, as a hard-working, two-way midfielder with a knack for scoring. It was great to see him return in time to make a difference in Bayern’s final game. I think he has a big season ahead of him.</p>
<h2 id="Tqx4yf"><strong>Berni15: Kingsley Coman</strong></h2>
<p id="s8SLNS">If the young Frenchman can stay healthy I think he’s primed for a real breakout campaign as one of the focal points of the Bavarian attack. He has the potential to be a truly world class winger and I’m really hoping he can finally put it all together.</p>
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<figcaption>Will Alphonso Davies continue his progression and crack the line-up more regularly next season?</figcaption>
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<h2 id="RH1S8T"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Niklas Süle</strong></h2>
<p id="Lmh2hA">That is a hard one. I have, unfortunately, always thought that <span>Alphonso Davies</span> was a marketing signing and that his playing time in Munich will be very limited, just like Takashi Usami and Landon Donovan. It will be interesting, though, to see how he does next season and hopefully he can prove me wrong. The new signings will, of course, also be interesting to watch.</p>
<p id="hoe7fg">Therefore my answer to this question is Niklas Sule. I think he has been excellent this season. One of the few Bayern players that have been consistent throughout the whole season and I believe he is <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>’s next star center-back.</p>
<h2 id="u9RzHQ"><strong>LKChuggz: Lucas Hernandez</strong></h2>
<p id="BvZuZb">I am excited to see how the young Frenchman adapts to the Bundesliga and to FC Bayern. Hernandez will be coming into the new Bayern that includes a core of young French players. With Benjamin Pavard coming into the club at the same time, and Kingsley Coman already being a starter, the chemistry will hopefully be there right away. I am hoping that he can bring his experience to help Bayern be successful next season.</p>
<h2 id="4W29Oe"><strong>Brian Burton: Alphonso Davies</strong></h2>
<p id="cWkfG8">Alphonso Davies, hands down. He didn’t get much opportunity this year, but with <span>Arjen Robben</span> and <span>Franck Ribery</span> departing there’s a role opening up for him. As of now, Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry are the starting wingers, and Davies is backing them up. While playing in the MLS, he showed his explosiveness off the dribble and down the flank. If he can bring that energy when called upon for Bayern, he can become an X-Factor while still only a teenager.</p>
<h2 id="o4z14Y"><strong>Tom Adams: Benjamin Pavard</strong></h2>
<p id="ycgpYY">I know Pavard might not walk right into Bayern’s starting eleven, but that’s part of what makes me so excited to see him for us next season. If Kimmich keeps being deputized as a right back and doesn’t get moved up to a defensive midfielder. Pavard will really have to work his way into the team assuming Kovac’s preferred starting back four is (left to right) Alaba-Hernandez-Sule-Kimmich. I really think that Pavard has the ability to play either as a left or right back, so I’m curious to see both when and how often Kovac will utilize him. He’s got an attacking presence, just like both Alaba and Kimmich, but he’s also got good discipline, so it makes him a useful, versatile defender. </p>
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<p id="SOy4dp">We’ve laid out our picks, tell us yours in the poll and in the comments?</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/3/18625163/bayern-munich-leon-goretzka-thomas-muller-corentin-tolisso-kingsley-coman-benjamin-pavard-suleCSmith19192019-06-02T16:00:00+02:002019-06-02T16:00:00+02:00BFW postseason breakdown: Favorite BFW Piece of the Year
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<figcaption>AFP/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Tell us what BFW piece you liked the best from this season.</p> <p id="Q5xnuy">At Bavarian Football Works, we take a lot of pride in being able to cover all <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> news from games to fights to transfers to injuries (all too many!). We also like being able to write commentary and foster discussion among the community. </p>
<p id="BpncWm">Over the course of the season, we find ourselves trying to cover anything we feel like the BFW community needs to know or will enjoy. From <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>’s disastrous 2018 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a> collapse and the “<a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/6/30/17520018/germany-joachim-low-world-cup-knockout-mesut-ozil-sami-khedira-thomas-muller-marco-reus-goretzka">aftermath of arrogance</a>” to Bayern’s rocky start under Niko Kovac, there was plenty to write about. We had the fallout from the “summer of Lewy” transfer saga and how he <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/12/26/18156252/bayern-munich-robert-lewandowski-is-where-he-belongs-chelsea-real-madrid-juventus-psg-manchester">redeemed himself</a>, <span>Arturo Vidal</span>’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/8/2/17644672/bayern-munich-don-balolol-arturo-vidal-son-broke-transfer-market-fc-barcelona-inter-milan">son leaking his dad’s move</a> to FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> on You Tube, <span>James Rodriguez</span> <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/10/9/17950982/bayern-munich-james-rodriguez-colombia-real-madrid-niko-kovac-zinedine-zidane-thomas-muller">drama</a> galore, Jogi Low <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/3/5/18251616/germany-the-aftermath-of-arrogance-part-two-lows-revenge-thomas-muller-jerome-boateng-mats-hummels">placing the blame</a> for Germany’s struggles on <span>Thomas Muller</span>, <span>Mats Hummels</span>, and <span>Jerome Boateng</span>, and a whole lot more. </p>
<p id="VqjOu9">Here are some of our favorites pieces of the year. </p>
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<h2 id="yd3IKT"><strong>Chuck Smith</strong></h2>
<p id="UfpYRt">Over the course of the year, I read ALL of BFW’s posts and have to say I thorough enjoy everything on the site (even when the opinions differ from my own). I think about the effort and time that Tom Adams puts into covering the <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/4/12/18307700/kit-leak-bayern-munich-third-kit-2019-2020-adidas-footy-headlines-allianz-arena-robert-lewandowski">kit leaks</a> or Ineednoname’s take on why James Rodriguez was the <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/4/8/18300151/bayern-munich-why-james-rodriguez-wrong-player-opinion-analysis-thomas-muller-injuries-real-madrid">wrong man for Bayern Munich</a>, or Berni15’s series of <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/21/18229125/bayern-munich-goal-replay-tactical-analysis-observations-joshua-kimmich-leon-goretzka-mats-hummels">BFW Film Room</a> posts, or John Dillon’s take on the <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/1/1/18161600/bundesliga-germany-dfb-weird-wacky-club-names-divisions-amateur-soccer-football-porndorf-assling">crazy German soccer world</a> below the top flight. </p>
<p id="sQlC60">There was also Marcus Iredahl’s great <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/5/18530213/franck-ribery-pep-guardiola-bayern-munich-ottmar-hitzfeld-louis-van-gaal-borussia-dortmund-world-cup">tribute</a> to <span>Franck Ribery</span> and his awesome piece on <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/14/18219333/bayern-munich-sudkurve-dortmund-yellow-wall-bundesliga-schickeria-fan-protest-dfb-chemnitz">ultras</a>. MiranKoFCB recently tackled what he thinks Niko Kovac needs to do to <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/31/18646082/bayern-munich-niko-kovac-improvement-crisis-development-ribery-robben-lewandowski-counter-pressing">extend his future with Bayern</a>, and LKChuggz told the world that <span>Robert Lewandowski</span> needs to take a back seat to Germany’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/28/18641792/bayern-munich-robert-lewandowski-dennis-teuber-bundesliga-kreisliga-germany-herne-amateurs">real scoring champion</a>. Brian Burton’s piece on Uli Hoeness’ impact on Bayern’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/4/17/18412109/evolution-uli-hoeness-president-bayern-munich-business-financial-transfer-signings">business tactics</a> was a great read as well.</p>
<p id="Gin5fq">We had Philipp Quinn taking a <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/10/14/17973622/manuel-neuer-germany-bayern-munich-play-decline-best-goalkeeper-in-the-world-no-more-confidence">hard and serious look</a> at <span>Manuel Neuer</span> (or his efforts at driving our <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/8/22/17747332/bundesliga-preview-bayern-dortmund-schalke-leverkusen-leipzig-hoffenheim-gladbach-frankfurt-werder">Bundesliga preview</a>), while Gopika CPB’s coverage of a simple news items gave me a clear and concise <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/14/18623012/bayern-munich-season-two-titles-rafinha-emotional-farewell-press-conference-bundesliga">wrap-up</a> to Rafinha’s Bayern career.</p>
<p id="DD4EEo">And while he didn’t write as much as others, Jake Fenner deserves a lot of credit for his effort with <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/28/18642181/bavarian-podcast-works-episode-8-yet-another-doublesieger-plus-an-important-survey-pokal">Bavarian Podcast Works</a>, which gave us another outlet to communicate with you all this season. Same for NoVaBurgher, who is always a great writer to have around to hit <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/8/18216815/bayern-munich-transfers-chelsea-callum-hudson-odoi-vfb-stuttgart-benjamin-pavard-hasan-salihamidzic">news items</a> when he is online.</p>
<p id="fnoiQa">I would be remiss to exclude the great fanposts we have received as well over the course of this season. </p>
<p id="KWezcQ">When it comes down to making a choice, however, I went with Marcus’s piece on the ultras.</p>
<aside id="W6IjTc"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"From the Südkurve with love: the vocal world of the Bundesliga’s ultras","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/14/18219333/bayern-munich-sudkurve-dortmund-yellow-wall-bundesliga-schickeria-fan-protest-dfb-chemnitz"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="sdOfU0"><strong>Ineednoname</strong></h2>
<p id="cAkKjy">Marcus’s piece on Bayern’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/14/18219333/bayern-munich-sudkurve-dortmund-yellow-wall-bundesliga-schickeria-fan-protest-dfb-chemnitz">ultras</a>. In general, I love any piece that makes me think “oh, I learned something new here,” and Marcus’s piece really nailed it. Special mention to Berni’s Film Rooms. It’s by far the highest quality series on the site.</p>
<aside id="rKxzjn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"From the Südkurve with love: the vocal world of the Bundesliga’s ultras","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/14/18219333/bayern-munich-sudkurve-dortmund-yellow-wall-bundesliga-schickeria-fan-protest-dfb-chemnitz"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="CYIReI"><strong>John N. Dillon</strong></h2>
<p id="AmeXXx">Chuck’s <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/10/18218786/bayern-munich-chris-richards-fc-dallas-loan-transfer-youth-development-center-back-defender-future">three-part series on Chris Richards</a> was the result of Chuck’s own initiative and incredible access to the player’s family and coaches. It was a magnificent, honest look at the story of an American player who made it all the way to Bayern Munich. It was easily one of the best original stories BFW has ever run.</p>
<aside id="jAeskn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"From Alabama to Munich: The Journey of Chris Richards ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/10/18218786/bayern-munich-chris-richards-fc-dallas-loan-transfer-youth-development-center-back-defender-future"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ylLjCX">And since I’m the editor, I get to pick two: Patrick Pintaske represented BFW in the press box at Bastian Schweinsteiger’s testimonial and even interviewed Hasan Salihamidzic (and Ana Ivanovic!) in the mixed zone after the game. It’s a massive coup for BFW to participate directly in games like this. We’ve been closer to the club than ever before.</p>
<aside id="schoC9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Homage to no. 31: an insider’s look at Bastian Schweinsteiger’s farewell","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2018/9/1/17794650/bayern-munich-chicago-fire-bastian-schweinsteiger-testimonial-interview-ivanovic-salihamidzic"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="bGX4gM"><strong>Phillip Quinn</strong></h2>
<p id="8nSsdr">There have been so many good articles written on Bavarian Football Works over the last year. I've tried to take my time to pick the story that I really loved, and I think I found it. For me, Marcus's farewell story to Franck Ribery was tremendous and my favorite for the year.</p>
<aside id="hGwfHV"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Franck Ribéry: Bayern Munich’s loyal troublemaker who overcame all odds ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/5/18530213/franck-ribery-pep-guardiola-bayern-munich-ottmar-hitzfeld-louis-van-gaal-borussia-dortmund-world-cup"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="9MoiYP"><strong>Berni15</strong></h2>
<p id="V5AXJ8">This is a tough one, but I’d have to say Marcus’ piece looking at German football’s ultras was a fascinating read. It’s also representative of the depth and quality of the content here at BFW. I’m constantly impressed by my fellow writers and the thoughtful fanposts we receive. </p>
<aside id="8COycA"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"From the Südkurve with love: the vocal world of the Bundesliga’s ultras","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/14/18219333/bayern-munich-sudkurve-dortmund-yellow-wall-bundesliga-schickeria-fan-protest-dfb-chemnitz"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="o3oz1V"><strong>LKChuggz</strong></h2>
<p id="Dvcesp">This one is sentimental. I began writing for BFW this season. A few months later a player from my hometown, Taylor Booth, officially signed with Bayern. I was able to write a piece introducing Booth to the Bayern fans. As a fan of soccer and a proponent of growing soccer in the US, I loved being able to spotlight a local kid signing with a European giant.</p>
<aside id="uzZiDN"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Meet Bayern Munich’s newest American signee: Taylor Booth","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/1/18206170/bayern-munich-player-profile-taylor-booth-real-salt-lake-academy-utah-us-youth-national-team-mls"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="8iSNm7"><strong>Marcus Iredahl</strong></h2>
<p id="DjUYT0">Well, I became a contributor for BFW this January, hence I will choose a piece made after that. I love all the Podcasts and I am still waiting to be a part of them (no pressure guys). Although, as a person who loves in-depth articles, I would say my favorite piece(s) has been Chuck Smith’s trilogy about Chris Richards. Fantastic piece of reporting that raises the bar for every BFW contributor.</p>
<aside id="uj3L0c"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"From Alabama to Munich: The Journey of Chris Richards ","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/10/18218786/bayern-munich-chris-richards-fc-dallas-loan-transfer-youth-development-center-back-defender-future"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="MS0kZI"><strong>Brian Burton</strong></h2>
<p id="sDgYk2">I’m pretty sure just the title does it for me: “More exciting details on grass replacement at Säbener Strasse.” In this epitome of great sports journalism work, Chuck Smith informs Bayern fans of the truly important news they need to know: what kind of turf the team plays on. Sometimes we get caught up on unimportant stories like transfers, injuries, and the like. Chuck does an excellent job in reminding us where our focuses really should lie.</p>
<aside id="oUSWMm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"More exciting details on grass replacement at Säbener Strasse","url":"https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/2/27/18242956/bayern-munich-allianz-arena-more-exciting-details-on-grass-replacement-at-sabener-strasse"}]}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="6PV0L8">
<p id="5ybPtm">We’ve laid out our favorites, tell us yours in the poll and in the comments?</p>
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https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/6/2/18625151/bayern-munich-robert-lewandowski-manuel-neuer-chris-richards-thomas-muller-joachim-low-ultrasCSmith19192019-05-31T16:00:00+02:002019-05-31T16:00:00+02:00BFW postseason breakdown: Most Improved Player
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<p>Who would you choose as Bayern Munich’s 2018/2019 Most Improved Player?</p> <p id="4x324F"><a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a>’s core of consistently good veterans did not leave much room for choices when looking for a Most Improved Player, but some of the younger players definitely made strides with their respective games. </p>
<p id="MRccz5">Kingsley Coman displayed some frighteningly good offensive skill and provided the Bayern lineup with a true charge when return from an early season injury. <span>Serge Gnabry</span> had a great year on loan at <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/hoffenheim">Hoffenheim</a> during the 2017/2018 season and was somehow even better this season. </p>
<p id="JVqN4z">Niklas Sule developed into the team’s first-choice center back, while <span>Sven Ulreich</span> was extremely impressive in filling in for <span>Manuel Neuer</span> this season. </p>
<p id="Cw2WY8">Who did we select? Take a look and find out. </p>
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<figcaption>Niklas Sule developed into the first-choice center back this season. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="s5EUg2"><strong>Chuck Smith: Niklas Sule</strong></h2>
<p id="R2cq4F">Oddly, I also picked Sule for this award last season, but for as good as he was last year, he made even bigger strides this season. Sule developed into Niko Kovac’s primary option at center back and grew into one of the most solid and dependable players in the Bundesliga this season. While he had some struggles with consistency early in the season, Sule’s strength, speed, and timely tackling made him an easy choice for me. You can’t ask for much more than a player whose game keeps growing and getting better. </p>
<h2 id="aatFRX"><strong>Ineednoname: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="6WdL3b">There was a time early in the <em>Hinrunde</em> when Gnabry went game after game without scoring or getting an assist and people questioned whether he was Bayern quality. Now look at him - he’s currently our best winger and one of the team’s main goal threats. As Uli said, he’s the most pleasant surprise of the season.</p>
<h2 id="QwLqde"><strong>John N. Dillon: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="ZLm3u7">I had my doubts about Serge Gnabry, but he truly has flourished under Niko Kovac. He’s just the kind of player Kovac likes: fast and direct, able to break and finish. On his game, he is one of the most entertaining players on the team now.</p>
<h2 id="IQr7FI"><strong>Berni15: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="x581fn">I’m not sure there can be much debate on this one. Serge Gnabry went from a promising loanee to the surprise of the season. He became an absolutely vital piece of Bayern and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a>’s attack, with his versatility and intelligence both on and off the ball proving key. I’m really not sure where Bayern would have been this campaign without the former <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> man. It was truly a breakout year for Gnabry. This is also a shameless self-congratulations considering that I wrote before the season that he would be Bayern’s most important player. I’m not right often, so I get excited when I am.</p>
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<figcaption>It is pretty clear that Serge Gnabry impressed the BFW staff with his standout performance this season. </figcaption>
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<h2 id="GUZwcQ"><strong>LKChuggz: Manuel Neuer</strong></h2>
<p id="5a9ohI">It was a tough season last year for Manuel Neuer. This year he was mostly fit and most of the season he showed that he is still a world-class keeper. It was great to watch him play this year and to know that you have a consistent keeper. Even when he did get hurt, he would come back strong when he was needed the most. This specifically was the case at the Pokal Final, where Neuer came back from injury and made some much-needed, skillful saves.</p>
<h2 id="9rjYlA"><strong>Phillip Quinn: Niklas Sule</strong></h2>
<p id="WaTsBy">Niklas Sule started the 2018-19 season as the likely backup center back on the squad, and before the fall was over, he had leapfrogged both <span>Jerome Boateng</span> and <span>Mats Hummels</span> to the top of the list. The question became “Who will Niko Kovac partner with Niklas Sule today?” He showed great development in his decision making and field positioning. If the 23 year old continues this upward trajectory, he could be Bayern’s anchor center back for nearly a decade.</p>
<h2 id="zgp8oF"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="iaLVum">Without a doubt that goes to Serge Gnabry. He’s had a couple of great Bundesliga seasons with <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/bundesliga/teams/werder-bremen">Werder Bremen</a> and Hoffenheim, yet, I think it’s fair to say that many Bayern fans did not expect him to raise his game in the manner he did. 10 goals and five assists in the league is great for a player whom many believed would have the same fate as Sebastian Rudy, <span>Jan Kirchhoff</span>, Jan Schlaudraff, and <span>Sebastian Rode</span>.</p>
<h2 id="7Prx7Y"><strong>Brian Burton: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="Zb8uoT">He technically wasn’t playing for Bayern last year, but Serge Gnabry went from a loan player to scoring double digit goals in the Bundesliga for the third year in a row, and 13 across all competitions. If I were asked last year who I thought the future stars of Bayern were, I would’ve chosen players like <span>Leon Goretzka</span> and Kingsley Coman; Serge Gnabry was overlooked by a lot of us. He came out this year and proved to us that he will be a force for Bayern for years to come.</p>
<h2 id="Bbq1VR"><strong>Tom Adams: Serge Gnabry</strong></h2>
<p id="LW5D0A">This isn’t to say that Gnabry didn’t start off strong, I just feel that he got significantly better as the season progressed. Switching to a vegan diet seems to have done him wonders. He’s seem’s stronger, more fit, and his endurance is through the <em>roooooooooof</em>. I vividly remember his strength and quick bursts of speed on perfect display in Germany’s Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands — he was out-muscling everyone, whizzing by defenders, and scored an absolute peach of a goal. I believe that match was in March and ever since then he was a danger man for Bayern. He showed up big time in crucial closing stages of the season and I was so pleased to see how much he’d improved from the beginning of the campaign.</p>
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<p id="BDGqXY">Who did you think deserved being acknowledged as Bayern’s Most Improved Player? Tell us in the poll below and also in the comments. </p>
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<p id="FGnw9q"><em>This is the part of our BFW Postseason series which will run each day. </em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/31/18625161/bfw-postseason-breakdown-most-improved-player-niklas-sule-serge-gnabry-kingsley-coman-manuel-neuerCSmith19192019-05-30T15:45:00+02:002019-05-30T15:45:00+02:00BFW postseason breakdown: Bayern Munich’s Most Outstanding Player
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<figcaption>Getty Images for FC Bayern</figcaption>
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<p>Who would you choose as Bayern Munich’s 2018-2019 Most Outstanding Player?</p> <p id="ThqgR7">As winners of a domestic double, <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/">Bayern Munich</a> had many players excel on the pitch this season. While no single player was perfect, there were several who delivered consistently excellent performances.</p>
<p id="LPTs0y">The BFW staff was tasked with trying to identify which player was “Most Outstanding” this season and the responses were, again, open to interpretation. </p>
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<figcaption>No big deal, Robert Lewandowski just added another Torjägerkanone to his collection.</figcaption>
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<strong>Chuck Smith: </strong><span><strong>Robert Lewandowski</strong></span>
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<p id="pFPAVU">When it comes to outstanding performance Robert Lewandowski is the man. The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/poland">Poland</a> international racked up 40 goals and 13 assists across 47 games in all competitions, secured another Torjägerkanone, and consistently showed why he is considered by many to be the best striker in the world. Sure, <span>Joshua Kimmich</span>, Thomas Müller, <span>Thiago Alcantara</span>, <span>David Alaba</span> and Niklas Süle were all terrific, but no one was quite as good as STORMTANK.</p>
<h2 id="pGxcg1"><strong>Ineednoname: Thiago Alcantara</strong></h2>
<p id="jXhj2K">Outside of a few poor performances like Heidenheim, he’s been incredible this season and one of the few truly irreplaceable players on Kovac’s lineup. In Thiago, we have by far the best mid in the Bundesliga and one of the top mids in the world. Anyone who says otherwise is lying to themselves.</p>
<h2 id="FRH0CL"><strong>John N. Dillon: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
<p id="lbCK1q">The Polish Hitman won his fourth Torjägerkanone this season with 22 goals in the league. More than a poacher, he is literally the best scorer in the Bundesliga: 22 goals and 12 assists. That’s as many assists as Marco Reus. Scorers might get all the love, but in Lewandowski’s case it’s justified. He is a <em>Tormaschine</em>.</p>
<p id="QbUXuH">If I had to choose someone <em>other than </em>Lewandowski (e.g. if I made him my MVP), I’d say Joshua Kimmich and <span>Serge Gnabry</span> were both also outstanding.</p>
<h2 id="ORN0q2"><strong>Berni15: Niklas Süle</strong></h2>
<p id="TSGU0r">Although Thiago, Gnabry, and Müller all deserve a shout, Niklas Süle gets the nod for me. He really came into his own as Bayern’s first-choice defender, becoming a rock for a back line in transition. The German giant took the next step to becoming world-class, displaying impressive recovery speed, strength and timing in the tackle, and an ability to split lines with accurate long balls. As his potential new partners, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, are poised to join Süle, the German international stands to become the foundation of one of the world’s most formidable back lines. </p>
<h2 id="mod8MS"><strong>LKChuggz: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
<p id="KdZatG">Lewy put together another amazing season, full of goals galore. The Polish striker’s goal-scoring capabilities keep Bayern in any game, even if they happen to go down. Even as he gets older, the goals just keep coming.</p>
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<figcaption>Niklas Süle asserted himself as Bayern’s top center back and one of the best in the Bundesliga.</figcaption>
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<h2 id="g6mgzQ"><strong>Marcus Iredahl: Niklas Süle</strong></h2>
<p id="IdvRLJ">I have to go with Niklas Süle. I think he went from a good center back to Bayern’s best this season. His maturity, physical stature, and overall passion for the club are why he has become one of my favorite Bayern players. Thiago, Coman, and Kimmich are other players whom I think have been great this season, yet I picked Süle because his development surprised me the most. Next year’s defense looks incredibly solid. Best believe that Süle will feature in the middle of it.</p>
<h2 id="d5RJgI"><strong>Brian Burton: Joshua Kimmich</strong></h2>
<p id="qqjwTv">Anytime one player competes for every single minute of the Bundesliga, that’s outstanding. For all 3,060 minutes, Joshua Kimmich never took a break. He provided a necessary stability to the team while there were injuries and upheavals all around. Even better than just playing all the time, Kimmich provided 13 assists, enough for second in the Bundesliga. The 24 year-old only knows way to play: in full gear.</p>
<h2 id="SDBZns"><strong>Phillip Quinn: Robert Lewandowski</strong></h2>
<p id="T3FGQO">Look, it’s Robert Lewandowski. It’s always strange to watch people truly not be able to appreciate just how great of a forward he is. He put up 22 goals to win the Golden Boot in the Bundesliga in what many fans were constantly deriding as a terrible season for him and the team. He’s the best center forward in the world, and if Bayern can keep their top wingers healthy next season, I think he will reach 35 goals!</p>
<h2 id="i4jXYN"><strong>Tom Adams: Niklas Süle</strong></h2>
<p id="6OI6H6">Süle continues to impress me match by match. I’m so happy that I coined #SüleSweep on Twitter during my live-tweets a few weeks back because there are so many times where he makes such an important last-stitch challenge to clear the danger. He hardly puts a foot wrong with his distribution out of the back, too. I see him as someone who can quickly become the leader of Bayern’s back line and I think the addition of both Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard will only help bolster his work rate to consistently stay in the starting lineup. One thing that also impresses me so much about him, too, is his speed. For a bigger guy, Süle can really move and it helps him close down players on breakaways — he fears no one!</p>
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<p id="CwAYRC">Who did you think deserved being acknowledged as Bayern’s Most Valuable Player? Tell us in the poll below and also in the comments. </p>
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<p id="fWP34D"><em>This is the part of our BFW Postseason series which will run each day. </em></p>
https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2019/5/30/18625155/bfw-postseason-breakdown-most-outstanding-player-robert-lewandowski-thiago-sule-joshua-kimmichCSmith1919