Joshua Kimmich: Should he play right-back or in midfield? | OneFootball

Last season, Thomas Tuchel made the bold decision to move Joshua Jimmich out of Bayern Munich’s midfield in favour of using the German international at right back.

This saw Aleksandar Pavlović be given more first-team minutes, allowing the teenager to shine for Der Rekordmiester, leaving many to question whether Kimmich’s services were required at the Allianz Arena at all.

As well as this, at Euro 2024, Julian Nagelsmann also elected to utilise Kimmich at right-back, as the 29-year-old’s future in the middle of the park became uncertain.

Will Joshua Kimmich make a return to midfield?

Nevertheless, despite Kimmich’s form improving upon his position change last season, Vincent Kompany appears to have other ideas.

The new Bayern head coach has been using Kimmich in Der Rekordmeister’s midfield during pre-season, leaving many to believe that the 29-year-old is set to make a return to his natural position.

Speaking to Sky Germany at the Serge Gnabry Foundation charity event, Kimmich commented on his future in the Bayern starting XI:

“So far, I have only played and trained in central midfield. I believe that is the initial plan. In general, he (Kompany) knows, I know, we all know, that I can play both positions. Where I end up playing is up to the coach.”

Is a change beneficial for Bayern?

With the recent signing of former Fulham midfielder João Palhinha, the record champions can boast quite an impressive midfield.

With the likes of Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, Palhinha, Kimmich, and Pavlović, there are question marks surrounding whether there is a requirement for such depth.

As well as this, with the unreliable Sascha Boey and untrusted Josip Stanišić the only options for Bayern at right-back, there is a sense that Kimmich would be better used in the backline.

Regardless, it appears as though the German international will begin the campaign in Kompany’s midfield, but should the record champions struggle defensively, a change of position could be best for the side.

GGFN | Will Shopland