Bayern Munich have begun their 2016-17 campaign in strong fashion. Currently on top of the Bundesliga standings and in a great position to advance out of Group D in the UEFA Champions League, new manager Carlo Ancelotti has seen his side live up to their lofty expectations for the season thus far.
What may not have been expected, at least not this soon in his Bayern career, is the stellar play of midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
With seven goals across all competitions this season, the 21-year old is second on the club’s scoring charts behind only mercurial striker Robert Lewandowski. Kimmich has been an asset on both sides of the pitch for Bayern, as his skills as a defender make him an accomplished player in a variety of different situations and scenarios.
Kimmich came through the youth system at VfB Stuttgart and made quite the impression as he honed his skills. The young Rottweil native was brought into the German youth national teams and made his debut with the U-17 squad in 2011, at the age of 15.
Often used on the backline, Kimmich showed incredible talent at fullback as well as ability in a midfield role.
Kimmich signed on with RB Leipzig in the summer of 2013 during their climb up the German football pyramid and made his debut in the German third division that September.
His solid play and obvious potential led to Bayern Munich signing him in January of 2015.
PICKING UP A SLOW MIDFIELD START
Joshua Kimmich has been pegged for stardom in Germany for some time, and he has begun to display his immense abilities within one of the best clubs in world football.
The midfield of Bayern Munich contains some of the most talented players available anywhere, and it would certainly be assumed that a young player only in his second full season with the team may not make an immediate impact.
But with a slow start for some of the key players, manager Carlo Ancelotti is clearly pleased with Kimmich’s production.
Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Arturo Vidal have all combined for six league goals. German national team star Thomas Muller has yet to score a goal in the Bundesliga this season.
Joshua Kimmich has begun to produce at the right time for Bayern Munich already.
YOUTH MOVEMENT
With an eye towards the future, Joshua Kimmich is set up for a long career in the Bayern midfield.
Along with 19-year old Renato Sanches and 20-year old Kingsley Coman, Ancelotti may be looking at the future of the line-up. Surrounded by ageing players like Robben and Ribery, Kimmich’s role will continue to evolve and grow within the squad.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT WITH DIE MANNSCHAFT
One of the most exciting prospects for Joshua Kimmich’s abilities moving forward is his work with the German national team. Making his debut with Joachim Low’s side earlier this year, Kimmich was picked for the final roster that represented Germany at Euro 2016.
Often playing as a right-back with the national team, Kimmich stands to benefit greatly from being involved with the reigning world champions at such a young age.
Joshua Kimmich has all the tools to be one of the best footballers in Germany, and his stock will undoubtedly continue to rise with Bayern Munich for years to come.
