Bayern Munich’s match day seven clash against VfB Stuttgart was a tale of two halves.
What started out to be an extremely stale game, devoid of chances soon turned into a Harry Kane masterclass.
Jersey Swap: Jamie Leweling
The 23-year-old continues his rich vein of form after netting on his debut for the German national team in their last UEFA Nations League game against the Netherlands.
Leweling may not have found his way onto the score sheet, but he did create Stuttgart’s biggest chance in the 54th minute after turning his man, sending in a looping cross and finding Josha Vagnoman who ultimately skied his side’s best chance to take the lead.
The emerging Germany and Stuttgart winger has certainly “Leweled” up in his last few games (pun intended). Fast, agile and decisive, Jamie Leweling has all the tools to become a top player.
Honourable mention #1:
Angelo Stiller, a recent German national team debutant and former Bayern Munich academy graduate was the key cog in the Stuttgart midfield. Keep a keen eye on him throughout the season.
Honourable mention#2 and #3:
This is not performance based, or football performance based at least. Nevertheless, a special shout out to Ramon Hendriks and Julian Chabot in the 36th and 46th minute, who both managed to produce an ear splitting cry capable of drowning out a 75 000 capacity stadium after being lightly fouled. Truly impressive vocal range.
Der Kaiser: Alphonso Davies
This award could have easily gone to anyone in Bayern’s backline, especially Raphaël Guerreiro, who at times looked like his sides best defender, midfielder and attacker at the same time.
Alphonso Davies, however, is a well deserved recipient after another good display for Bayern. Phonzie has come under fire in recent seasons mainly for his inconsistency and lack of defensive awareness. Injuries have certainly not done the Canadian left-back any favours, but the criticism was probably deserved.
This season, Davies looks like a player reborn under Vincent Kompany. The best word to describe Bayern’s Roadrunner this season is: Balanced. A word I, nor many a Bayern Munich fan would have used to describe Davies in the past, nevertheless, a word that rings true, flaunting his ruthless pace in attack while exercising defensive discipline.
It is exciting to get excited about the young Canadian again. Let’s hope this isn’t just form, but rather Davies showing a maturity to develop his game.
Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich
A special night for a special Bayern Munich player, who has now made 400 appearances for the Bavarian giants.
If you are looking for an example of why Kimmich is such an important player for Bayern, look no further than Harry Kane’s first goal. On the surface, it’s a lovely strike and finish from Kane, however, upon further inspection, that goal doesn’t happen without Kimmich’s determination and ferocity to win the ball back in the opponents half.
For an often overly criticised player, Kimmich certainly showcased how much he brings to the Bayern midfield. Energy. leadership, passing, defending, you name it, he does it.
It seems insane that Bayern were reportedly willing to let such a crucial player go in the summer transfer window.
Fingers crossed Jo will stick around to make another 400 appearances for Die Rekordmeister.
Der Bomber: Thomas Müller
These days, it is not often that one gets to see Thomas Müller play a full 90 minutes, but when he does, it is always a treat.
Müller may not have gotten an assist or goal to his name, and that’s okay. As is often the case with the Bavarian-born footballer, it is often his invisible work that really leaves you with a grin on your face, and this time around it was no different.
Müller’s off the ball work, utilisation of space, general trickiness and communication is truly a sight to behold. When Radio Mülller plays, it truly feels as if Bayern has the advantage of having the coach directly on the pitch, directing and orchestrating his side through every phase of the game.
Without Müller’s guile, who knows if Bayern muster up what was needed to turn a tricky fixture on paper into a rout.
Meister of the Match: Harry Kane
It was a typical, yet atypical night for the prolific English goalscorer.
Typical in the sense that Kane finished the game with a boat load of goals to his name. Atypical in the way that he managed to miss what could easily have been considered his easiest chances, while netting, arguably, his two most difficult chances.
Despite the slow and shaky start to the game, the 31-year-old striker taught everyone an important lesson tonight: Never count Kane out.
Kane can often start games slowly, at times even phasing out of the game until deep into the second half, where he ultimately silences any nay sayers and doubters. The Englishman found himself on the end of nearly all Bayern’s first half chances, however, despite his best efforts, could not put the ball in the back of the net. Cause for concern? For Harry Kane, no chance. Bayern’s leading goalscorer did what he always does, silenced the doubters and scored goals.
Kane has proved to be worth every penny Bayern spent on him last season, and he is proving it once again in his second Bundesliga season after scoring his 7th hat-trick for Die Roten.
All hail King Kane.
What did you think of our award selection? Who else deserves a shout? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s big 4-0 win over VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga? Awesome, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show where we hit on the frustrating first half, the dominant second half, and where things go from here for both teams. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
