The outside-backs in Vincent Kompany’s system are expected to feature more in the attack than Thomas Tuchel’s infamous U-ball. With the number six dropping deeper in possession, the outside-backs will constantly make overlapping runs and send in dangerous crosses from the end line. Expect this group to have a lot more goals and assists for Bayern Munich this season.
#19 Alphonso Davies
2023/24 Stats: 42 matches, 34 starts, 3,012 minutes, 60 tackles, 33 interceptions
Financials: €50M market value, €11.25M salary, 1 year remaining on contract
Origin Story: €14M transfer from Vancouver Whitecaps in 2019
Scheme Fit: Starter. Once upon a time, Davies was the future of Bayern directly next to Jamal Musiala. But the ongoing transfer saga with Real Madrid, coupled with a drop in form, has put a damper on that plan. Davies is a high flying wing back that should flourish under Kompany’s system that pushes guys like Davies into dangerous positions to put opposing defenses in compromising situations.
#44 Josip Stanišić
2023/24 Stats (with Bayer Leverkusen): 38 matches, 25 starts, 2,361 minutes, 53 tackles, 19 interceptions
Financials: €28M market value, €6.6M salary, 5 years remaining on contract
Origin Story: Academy product; promoted from FC Bayern II in 2021
Scheme Fit: Starter. Given Joshua Kimmich’s flexibility, Stanišić is just short of being a guaranteed starter but will be counted on frequently at right back. Stanišić’s own versatility could see him move to center back if there are injuries or if Kompany wants to run with a 3-back system.
#22 Raphaël Guerreiro
2023/24 Stats: 28 matches, 17 starts, 1,607 minutes, 24 tackles, 21 interceptions
Financials: €12M market value, €8M salary, 2 years remaining on contract
Origin Story: Free transfer from Dortmund in 2023
Scheme Fit: Solid Contributor. Guerreiro only earned three starts last fall, but injuries forced him into the rotation and he passed with flying colors. Left-back is his primary position, but he can also play right-back and every midfield position (except maybe right wing, but would probably handle it just fine). A quality all around player, he’ll always find quality minutes as the season progresses.
#23 Sacha Boey
2023/24 Stats (with Galatasaray): 31 matches, 31 start, 2,790 minutes, 20 tackles, 36 interceptions
2023/24 Stats (with Bayern): 2 matches, 1 start, 109 minutes, 2 tackles, 1 interception
Financials: €18M market value, €3M salary, 4 years remaining on contract
Origin Story: €30M transfer from Galatasaray in 2024
Scheme Fit: Rotational contributor. After winning two league titles with Galatasaray, Boey was an unexpected acquisition in the winter transfer window. He was brought in due to the injuries, but Kimmich moved to right back and Boey watched his first Rückrunde from the bench. Boey’s an aggressive right wing back who is quick but undersized. He has a tall task to earn playing time over Stanišić and Kimmich.
#48 Adam Aznou
2023/24 Stats (with Bayern U19): 15 matches, 13 starts, 1,123 minutes, t2 goals, 5 yellow cards
Financials: €900K market value, undisclosed salary, 3 years remaining on contract
Origin Story: Academy product; promoted from FC Bayern II in 2024
Scheme Fit: Prospect. The Spanish left-back will probably play with Bayern II and only be called up if Davies or Guerreiro are out for an extended period. He played decently in the summer friendlies but will need another year or two to properly develop.