Bayern Munich is in desperate need of points and desperation is an excellent driver.<\/p>\n
The gap between Bayern and Borussia Dortmund has narrowed and the Deustcher Meister need the points to maintain a strong Bundesliga campaign. Dropping points in previous games, morale also has been lower than usual. Bayern showed up and put an excellent fight at home against arguably one of the best Bundesliga teams this season in TSG Hoffenheim. A messy game from the start with two penalties for Bayern, an early goal conceded due to a Manuel Neuer error and an extraordinary Luis Diaz performance all culminated in an enthralling 5-1 win. Here are the standout performers from tonight\u2019s game.<\/p>\n
Jersey Swap \u2014 Oliver Baumann<\/p>\n
Oliver Baumann has proven tonight why he is Germany\u2019s #1. Yes, he conceded five goals, but genuinely who could have stopped Bayern tonight?<\/p>\n
A fatigued but determined Bayern side were up against an in-form Hoffenheim and the keeper was the best of the lot. He made incredible saves, and even those that he missed (barring the penalties) were extremely close. Case in point, the last Diaz goal slipped past his fingers.<\/p>\n
Baumann has the distribution, the work rate and the reflexes to be a perfect #1 for Germany and tonight, he did his best.<\/p>\n
A close second was Andrej Kramaric, who loves scoring against Bayern and continued his streak.<\/p>\n
Der Kaiser \u2014 Josip Stani\u0161i\u0107<\/p>\n
The defense featured Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Alphonso Davies and Josip Stani\u0161i\u0107, with substitutions coming in later. The standout defender tonight was Stani\u0161i\u0107, who held the defense together. The right-back was crucial in winning duels and making interceptions, the duels he got into were clean. Particularly a crucial challenge he made close to the box in the 10th minute was fantastic.<\/p>\n
Hoffenheim hardly got any shots following the initial red and clean defending from Bayern is the reason. Additionally, as always, Stanisic made his mark in build-up as well.<\/p>\n
The team may have been fatigued but the Croatian made it work. Stan the man!<\/p>\n
Der Fussballgott \u2014 Aleksandar Pavlovi\u0107<\/p>\n
The award goes to Pavlovi\u0107 and with good reason \u2014 he was rock-solid. If there is anyone Julian Nagelsmann should note from this game, it is the midfielder.<\/p>\n
Bayern needs a reliable, solid player who is disciplined, does his work quietly and maintains a strong control over the tempo of the game. Pavlovic is the right man for the job and he has proven so over the course of this season.<\/p>\n
The youngster has hardly an error to his game. He\u2019s excellent with the ball \u2014 holding onto possession, excellent with passing and progressive passing. Off the ball he\u2019s excellent at shutting down counters \u2014 which was the need of the hour as Hoffenheim looked to score through any lapse in Bayern\u2019s judegement.<\/p>\n
The high possession numbers Bayern maintained tonight would not have been possible without Pavlovi\u0107.<\/p>\n
Der Bomber \u2014 Harry Kane<\/p>\n
Penalties and Harry Kane. A match made in Allianz Arena.<\/p>\n
Two goals and an assist, Kane was lethal this game. The goals came from penalties but what must be spoken of his assist.<\/p>\n
Bayern have been a beauty in transitions this season and case in point, the goal Diaz scored close to half-time. The way Kane volleyed the ball across to Diaz who then took a fantastic touch before passing, it all happened in seconds. Kane has incredible technique, yes, but his game intelligence is his true power. Kane is the central cog in Bayern\u2019s attack, much akin to a midfielder as his hold-up play and passing range have played into so many goals this season.<\/p>\n
The striker continued creating chances, and even if they did not lead to goals, his 60 minutes tonight were crucial to the result of the game.<\/p>\n
Meister of the Match \u2014 Luis D\u00edaz<\/p>\n
Earlier in the game when I began writing Diaz\u2019s name as the Meister, visuals of comments asking me why not Kane flooded my mind. However, the Colombian scored a hattrick. \u2018Nuff said.<\/p>\n
The Colombian is magical with his feet, have you seen him weave his way through the defense?<\/p>\n
The first goal was spoken of in the Kane discussion. Coming onto the second goal, Kane was involved in the build-up, an otherworldly ball to Olise. The Frenchman then gave a quick pass to D\u00edaz, who\u2019d positioned himself in seconds. Crossing his feet, D\u00edaz slots the ball into the net. The third goal was a curled shot that was so precise, sealing the fate of the game.<\/p>\n
D\u00edaz has brought aesthetically pleasing football to Munich. While beauty hasn\u2019t been the need of German football, it certainly is an enjoyable component and if it wins games, why not?<\/p>\n
What do you think about the awards? Who else do you think deserved a shout? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast<\/a>, Spotify<\/a>, Apple<\/a>, or any leading podcast distributor\u2026 <\/p>\n