David Alaba's departure for Real Madrid has left a void in the defense of Bayern Munich. In response, Julian Nagelsmann has increasingly deployed Joshua Kimmich as a center-back. This tactical shift has sparked a debate about Kimmich's optimal position and his playing time.
Playing Time Trends (2019/20 - Present)
Since the 2019/20 season, Kimmich's playing time has fluctuated significantly. During his peak seasons (2019/20 and 2020/21), he started nearly every match, averaging over 2500 minutes per season. However, injuries and rotation policies under Nagelsmann have led to a decline in his playing time this season.
Positional Distribution
While Kimmich is primarily a midfielder, his deployment as a center-back has become more frequent. The data shows that he has played a significant number of minutes in both positions, highlighting his versatility. However, his performance statistics vary depending on the position.
Impact on Team Performance
An analysis of Bayern Munich's team performance reveals that they tend to concede more goals when Kimmich plays as a center-back compared to his usual midfield role. This raises questions about the tactical implications of this positioning and its impact on the team's defensive solidity.
Future Outlook
As the season progresses, Kimmich's playing time will likely be influenced by several factors, including injury updates, tactical decisions, and the availability of other players. His adaptability makes him a valuable asset, but finding the right balance between his preferred position and the team's needs remains a challenge for Nagelsmann.