To me, the match against the Wolves was an absolute snoozefest; as evidenced by my playing Words With Friends during long stretches of it. The only parts worth mentioning are the two goals: The aforementioned disallowed Helmes goal, and Luis Gustavo's match winner in added time. Normally my team attracts all of my attention... So, what's up with Bayern Munich?
Way too many defensive midfielders on the pitch, perhaps? A comment (by Stephan) on my last blog got me thinking... And then Uli Hesse's latest article got me thinking some more. If you've read me for a while, last season I posted a blog about Mark van Bommel's exodus to Italy titled "Transfer solves positional conundrum". Mark, at the time, was not playing "captain-like" football, and I was in greater favour of Antoliy Tymoschuk. (Still am.) And while this is not the same conundrum, it is one, none-the-less.
Let me start by saying that I love Toni Kroos. And then let me piss everyone off by saying he's not a number 10. Even though he came up as an attacking midfielder, his time at Leverkusen changed that. (Along those lines, look at my Lieblingsspieler, Bastian Schweinsteiger.) Partnering Schweini, Luis Gustavo, is also a defensive midfielder.
So, you've got three players in the same position on the pitch, when the formation is structured for two. Awkward, yeah? And it has showed in our opening two matches. Our 4-2-3-1, while it can be possession-based, works for our lightning quickness up the flanks. Our counter attacks. (That being said, I don't need to give my very astute readers any footballing lessons. Just making a point.) And we have not- yet-had that. Very slow build up of play makes Bayern a dull bunch of boys.
While Thomas Mueller is not the quickest player on the pitch, he's got more of an instinct in the box, and a greater camaraderie with striker, Mario Gomez. What I've seen out of Kroos is a bit more hesitancy. He's been most effective, and dangerous, when he shoots from distance to keep opposing 'tenders honest. And, that's not a "playmaker" role.
Of course, all of this is probably irrelevant for the match against Zurich, as Twinkle-Toes is said to be match fit. But, we all know how often our Wonder Twins get injured... So, a couple of questions for you: 1) Who would you partner with Schweini in the midfield? 2) Who is your attacking midfield if Rib or Rob is hurt?
A crucial week is in sight. Let's do this. Auf gehts, Bayern!
You can follow Susie on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/fussballsusie
type="text/javascript">
Follow ESPNsoccernet's Football Correspondents on Twitter
Source:
