Another successful night in Europe for the Bavarians!
Bayern Munich have already begun to show their commitment to winning this year — whether it be in Germany or in Europe. After a satisfying 3-1 win against Chelsea FC at the Allianz Arena, Bayern traveled to Cyprus to face the Cyprian champions Pafos FC. In a game where the odds were already largely skewed towards Bayern, they went in and outclassed their hosts. Here are the awards from this fantastic 5-1 win.
Jersey Swap: Mislav Oršic
In an otherwise unfortunate game for the Cypriot team, Oršić scored an excellent goal from range, beating Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae and leaving Manuel Neuer stumped. Much of their valiant efforts were denied by the Bavarian midfield, defense or the wall. Goalkeeper Neofytos Michael too pulled his weight, but it was not enough, for Bayern were simply unstoppable.
Der Kaiser: Raphäel Guerreiro
It is not very often that you see Guerreiro deliver a memorable performance, but tonight was one such instance. The duo of Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-Jae get their due praise in other games for being reliable, and barring a few errors from Kim, he is often a solid centre-back. However, the fact is that the two were responsible for the goal conceded before half-time. Guerreiro on the other hand had a game surpassing most expectations. He shone in duels, in holding the ball, and positioned himself well. Additionally, his ball recovery was terrific, and he did well in counters. He managed to stretch the Cypriot team thin and overall was excellent in his stint in the XI. And, he managed to add his name to the scoresheet with a goal in the 20th minute, assisted by newcomer Nicolas Jackson. Well done Rapha.
Fußballgot: Joshua Kimmich
Aleksander Pavlović had a quiet but extremely good game, but Kimmich is one of the best in the business. His interceptions today were on point, and his passing was simply superb. In this game, he hardly dropped too deep, staying alongside Pavlović for the most part. The possession numbers were sky high tonight, for Kimmich kept it that way. He shut down passing lanes, disrupting any movement from the opposition and helped Bayern fasten the transition from defence to attack.
There was hardly any pressure from Pafos, but Kimmich kept the pressure high. With this game, he continues to be world-class.
Der Bomber: Harry Kane
Nicholas Jackson may have taken up the striker position, but Harry Kane isn’t one to worry. Jackson had a lovely performance with a goal and an assist, due to his game today with excellent positioning and quick thinking in the box. He interacted extremely well with Michael Olise and Konrad Laimer, making today a fruitful outing.
Kane is world-class and everyone knows it. Every game, he only further continues to exemplify his skill with goals and passionate performances. Tonight was no different — it was a classic Kane performance with strong defensive involvement, clever buildup and passing, and an attacking output second to one. His first goal was a low shot to the left corner, assisted by Olise. His second goal came in 15 minutes after and it is perhaps worth watching over and over again. The assist from Luis Díaz in itself was rather simple, but to see Kane hold the ball with multiple defenders on him, dribble past them in such a tight space and make the shot, was exceptional. The English skipper made himself yet another memorable night, and it is clear there is more where that came from.
Meister of the Match: Michael Olise
It goes without being said that Michael Olise, along with Harry Kane is among the best signings Bayern have made in recent years. The Frenchman puts up an outstanding performance nearly every weekend. The control he has on and off the ball, the sheer skill and the intelligence he has are further boosted by his hunger for goals and his relentlessness on the pitch. Not a single moment goes where he isn’t actively pursuing a goal — in fact, he was involved in four out of the five goals Bayern scored.
Take Kane’s first goal — it was an Olise assist that lead to the goal. The winger was nothing short of phenomenal in that moment. Following that, in the second goal scored by Rapha, it was Olise who first passed to Rapha, before Jackson got a touch on the ball and assisted the Portuguese.
And Jackson’s goal that was the result of an assist from Olise. For his relentless pursuits, the winger was finally rewarded with a goal in the 68th right before he was substituted. The stat sheet may only record his two assists and one goal, but the fact is that Olise was far more omnipresent than that.
With time it is clear that Olise too, like Kane, has records to make and break. And that time is coming sooner than later.
Who else do you think deserves a shout? Let us know in the comments!
Category: General Sports
