Bayern Munich’s current and future – not essentially separate – in midfield shone brightly on this newest spherical of the DFB-Pokal. Joshua Kimmich picked up the Man of the Match award in Bayern Munich’s 4-0 win over Mainz 05, and Konrad Leimer equalized the feat for RB Leipzig, who received 3-1 at Hoffenheim.

Kimmich performed all 90 minutes for Bayern once more and was, as all the time, on the middle of every little thing Bayern did. The only pivot forward of the three defenders, Kimmich was relied extra typically to attach protection with offense and ship on his trademark 3/3 lengthy balls – including 82/92 tackles (89%) and assists (stats by way of SofaScore.com).

Leimer – apparently the favourite “strain machine” of Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann – went the gap. He did not have as a lot impression passing (61/69) however he competed and received extra floor duels and tackles. And he had a fantastic purpose.

If Laimer and Kimmich had been to enrich one another on the identical eleventh, the precise formation used towards Mainz might not be. Laimer’s function seems extra defensive, and he may assist Kimmich pull the strings from the highest of the sector in a defensive 4 – moderately than being the paceman behind two free runs in Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala.

However who is aware of what Julian Nagelsmann could have up his sleeve? For now, let’s simply get a style of this can be a crew partnership we are able to sit up for.

Occupied with a extra in-depth take a look at the match, together with the formation/techniques utilized by Julian Nagelsmann, Joao Cancelo’s debut, and the unimaginable impression of Thomas Müller? Properly, why not take a look at our post-game podcast? We discuss all of that and extra! Pay attention beneath or on Spotify.

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