Bayern Munich Midseason Player Ratings: Central Midfielders
As the first half of Bayern Munich’s season comes to a close, it’s time to assess the performances of the midfielders. Last year’s midseason ratings were marked by disappointment, with a subpar performance meriting a low score. This season, however, presents a different picture. Have the midfielders risen to the challenge, or are there still areas of concern for the team?
6. Joshua Kimmich
2,160 minutes, 1 goal, 6 assists
Score: 10/10
Joshua Kimmich has been exceptional this season. Following a difficult 2023/24 campaign, during which he struggled with various factors, Kimmich has bounced back in remarkable fashion. Under the guidance of new head coach Vincent Kompany, Kimmich has been the driving force in Bayern’s midfield, playing every minute of every match without noticeable fatigue. His leadership role, both at Bayern and as Germany’s permanent captain, has seen him return to his best form. Despite challenges last season, he has shown resilience and has been a crucial part of the team’s success this season, reaffirming his importance and legacy at Bayern Munich.
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45. Aleksandar Pavlović
832 minutes, 1 goal, 1 assist
Score: 9/10
Aleksandar Pavlović was one of the standout performers early in the season, playing at a level that earned him a place ahead of €50 million signing João Palhinha and established player Leon Goretzka in the starting XI. His remarkable equalizer against Bayer Leverkusen further solidified his reputation. Unfortunately, a collarbone injury against VfB Stuttgart disrupted his momentum, though his quick recovery and subsequent return to the team showed his resilience. While his performances have not been as consistent since his early form, Pavlović has still made a significant contribution to the team this season.
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8. Leon Goretzka
790 minutes, 2 goals, 1 assist
Score: 7/10
Leon Goretzka’s season has been a mix of highs and lows. Initially, there were concerns about his future at Bayern, with suggestions that he might be offloaded due to limited playing time. However, Goretzka has proven his worth, managing to start regularly despite stiff competition. While some performances, particularly against St. Pauli and Bayer Leverkusen, were disappointing, Goretzka has contributed positively overall. His physicality and unique skill set offer something different in midfield, and despite some inconsistency, he remains an important player for Bayern.
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16. João Palhinha
614 minutes, 0 goals, 0 assists
Score: 5/10
João Palhinha’s season has been somewhat underwhelming so far. After Bayern Munich made a significant investment to bring the Portuguese midfielder from Fulham, expectations were high. However, Palhinha has failed to fully establish himself in the starting XI. His performances have been solid, but not spectacular—he has contributed with his defensive steel, delivering some key tackles, but has struggled to integrate fully into Bayern’s fast-paced, possession-based style. Though he hasn’t had any poor performances, his overall impact has been limited, leading to a middling score.
Overall Midfield Rating: 8/10
This season has shown a notable improvement over the previous year. Joshua Kimmich’s resurgence is the standout success, while Aleksandar Pavlović’s early season form and Goretzka’s continued contributions have been positives. João Palhinha’s adaptation has been slower, but the midfield as a whole has been much improved, offering Bayern fans cause for optimism as the season progresses.
