Just some weeks in the past, Josip Stanisic was a forgotten man at Bayern Munich.

A younger expertise, Stanisic was arguably the fourth-choice right-back behind Benjamin Pavard, Naseer Mazraoui and Manchester city Mortgage Joao Cancelo.

Most thought Cancelo would finally win the job on the cornerback/proper cornerback place, however it simply did not work out that method. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann carried out a float between utilizing three protection and 4 defence, however with Pavard suspended for the staff’s second leg in Champions League Towards Paris Saint-Germain, Nagelsmann has a troublesome alternative.

If he makes use of three defences, Nagelsmann wants a 3rd centre-back to enrich Matthijs de Ligt and Dayo Uppicano. Some have speculated Cancelo ought to get the nod given his excessive stature, however he’s not a pure defender. The choices on the market are a bit dicey.

Daley Blind was acquired for precisely this situation, however the considered Kylian Mbappe or Lionel Messi urgent Blind, who has misplaced a step or two, is not fairly optimum.

In Nagelsmann’s eyes, Stanišić is the suitable man for the job – even when the suitable man works at a drawback in opposition to PSG. The Croatian is thought for his versatility and has a stable efficiency in opposition to Mbappe in his again pocket already. Though not a pure centre-back, Stanišić has sufficient tempo and positional consciousness to at the least partially block Mbappe or Messi (it is tough or virtually not possible for anybody to dam them fully). What Stanisic may also carry to the negotiating desk is self-discipline. In a match like this, Bayern Munich doesn’t must overturn their protection in play or collide within the penalty space.

Bayern Munich will want stability – and Stanisic should put that on the desk.

However what about Cancelo? He’d undoubtedly begin at right-back if Nagelsmann used a defensive three, proper?

Principally not.

Ought to the boss spin a again three, Kingsley Coman – and his blistering tempo – needs to be anticipated to get the nod without delay. Not solely is Koeman bringing an attacking risk from his place, however he has additionally proven that he’s a succesful defender. Having Koeman backing up Stanišić may very well be invaluable to the staff’s defensive kind. With Alphonso Davies not at all times essentially the most disciplined left-back, it is easy to see how Bayern’s backline might be referred to as upon to cowl so incessantly.

The mixture of Stanišić and Coman seems to be the most definitely duo to forestall breakdowns and rushes. At the same time as a four-man on the again, Stanišić seems to be the entrance runner at right-back for a similar causes, whereas Coman will definitely find yourself in one of many beginning wing positions.

Once more three or 4 again, it would not matter: Stanisic appears to be the suitable man for this very job.

As for Cancelo, the 28-year-old has produced some good crosses since arriving in Munich, however his protection has been lackluster and, normally, he has simply been…OK. Not dangerous…not nice…however OK.

The second could appear very large for Stanišić, however Nagelsmann appears able to wager his status on him. Subsequently, the coach should ensure that the Croat will get the job executed.