Bayern Munich’s center-back partnership has solidified in the 2024/25 season.
Last season, under former head coach Thomas Tuchel, the defensive pairing frequently rotated, with no set duo emerging as the clear first choice. However, new head coach Vincent Kompany has brought a fresh tactical approach, and the transfer of Matthijs de Ligt to Manchester United has left no doubt about the starting duo.
The Upamecano-Kim partnership has now become Kompany’s go-to central defense pairing. The two have developed a strong chemistry, with Kim transitioning from a brief experiment on the right to now establishing himself as the left-sided center-back.
Kompany’s high-pressing style has tightened Bayern’s defense as well. The shorter distances between the lines leave fewer spaces for opponents to exploit, while every player is involved in defensive duties. Kim currently boasts a duel success rate of 66.67% in the Bundesliga, leading Bayern’s internal statistics in this category.
Building play from the back is no longer solely the responsibility of the defensive pair. Under Kompany, Joshua Kimmich frequently drops deep to assist with distribution, and Jamal Musiala also contributes on occasion. Kim’s passing accuracy of 93.45% ranks him 10th in the Bundesliga, while Upamecano sits third with an impressive 95.81%. In aerial battles, Kim leads the league with 21 duels won so far this season, and both center-backs benefit from Kompany’s precise instructions on when to push forward.
Despite the solid partnership, Bayern’s center-back depth is somewhat limited, with only Eric Dier as a backup. It appears likely that Bayern will strengthen their defensive options in the future, and it will be interesting to see what kind of player Kompany targets to complement his current setup.
Leave a Reply