Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: “Thomas [Müller] belongs in the same league as club icons like Franz Beckenbauer or Gerd Müller”

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has seen it all at Bayern Munich. From his journey as a player in Bavaria from 1974-1984 to his return as an executive at the club, Rummenigge has now spent over 40 years of his life employed by Bayern. So when he talks about the club, he really knows what he is saying.

Which leads us nicely to his words on Thomas Müller. Following the 34-year-old’s historic 710th appearance for Bayern Munich, @iMiaSanMia captured Rummenigge’s thoughts on Müller:

“Thomas was born in the area, has been through all the youth teams, grew up here and speaks from the heart to the fans, both on and off the pitch. The fans love such identification figures. We have to be grateful to Louis van Gaal for his courage in putting his trust in him – that’s what we want from a coach: to challenge and promote talent. Müller fulfilled and still fulfills all the criteria we want. I also always say that he is one of the best value players there has ever been. He’s never injured, you don’t need a back-up for him, and to be honest: there’s no replacement for him either – because his style of play is unique

In my eyes, Thomas belongs without question in the same league as club icons like Franz Beckenbauer or Gerd Müller – because it is no coincidence that FC Bayern celebrated the most successful decade in the club’s history with him. Thomas never has anything to reproach himself for at the end of his career: because he always got 100% out of his talent. Thomas is not only made of really good stuff in terms of character; he is genuine handcraft made in Bavaria. He is a Bavarian icon like no other.”

Putting anyone in the same tier as Gerd Müller and Beckenbauer is a big ask, but if his status as the new record holder of the most appearances in Bayern shirt is not enough to land him in this tier, then what will?

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on the current state of Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany? What about four key storylines to follow after international break? Or…what about why Jamal Musiala snubbing by the Ballon d’Or committee might create some longer-term issues for the Bavarians? Great, then we have you covered with this latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show! You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, or below: