Amid Leon Goretzka’s sudden resurgence at Bayern Munich is the relegation of youngster Aleksandar Pavlović — at least from a clear first choice in the XI alongside Joshua Kimmich to a more rotational player.
That has come down to performances — and head coach Vincent Kompany’s objectivity in team selections — according to a report from Tz, as captured by @iMiaSanMia:
The reason Aleksandar Pavlović has not been starting regularly since the turn of the year has nothing to do with injury, but purely following the performance principle. Vincent Kompany does not take into account names and transfer plans when deciding the lineup, hence Leon Goretzka, even though he’s still a candidate for sale, has been starting regularly recently. João Palhinha will soon join the competition for spots in midfield – the Portuguese wants to be back in the squad this weekend [@kessler_philipp, @mano_bonke]
BFW Analysis
How could you not love this from Vincent Kompany?
Pavlović is a special rising talent, but is still only 20. At this stage of his career, ups and downs are natural — and as Kompany’s handling of Leon Goretzka shows, there is always an opportunity for anybody to fight their way back. Pavlović should be extra motivated as a result and the pressure will likely push him on to success.
Of course, the pressure will never lessen at FC Bayern. Goretzka may still look to be on the way out, but Palhinha is still here, and young Tom Bischof is coming. Whatever happens, Kompany should have a solid complement of players in midfield — and he looks like a man who knows how to get the best out of all of them.
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