Bayern power rankings, January 2014
In our first Bayern power rankings of 2014, the feature becomes a first half recap of how every player fared. For this reason, results differ from the grades we attributed in past months, in order to reflect overall performance.
Players who are injured, or who haven’t played enough, do not appear.
9.5: Philipp Lahm
Mr. Skipper has been our most versatile player since the beginning of the season. Depending on needs, he shored up the attack or the defence. No wonder why Pep calls him the most intelligent player he ever coached. With its current formation and tactics, the team would have been in trouble without Lahm. (Last month: 8.5)
9.5: Toni Kroos
Under Pep, Kroos’ skills and style are used optimally. His 92% passing accuracy demonstrates how he pulls the strings efficiently in the midfield, while also taking high-quality free kicks and corners that lead to scoring chances. Without a doubt, Toni is a rising star and he is only 24 years old. (Last month: 9)
9: Franck Ribéry
Kaiser Franck was stellar in the first couple of months of the season, being encouraged to shine by a European player of the year award and a great relationship with the new coach. He had less of an impact in the last month, but his contribution to the team remains vital, both as a scorer and provider. (Last month: 8.5)
9: Mario Götze
Many people thought that the new Mario would have a difficult time establishing himself at Bayern. After a few great performances as a substitute, he struggled to become a starter. But he deserves great marks for making plays and scoring great goals. (Last month: 9)
8: Manuel Neuer
You can rarely fault him when conceding goals since many of them were caused by tactical mistakes and some defensive blunders in front of him. He made key saves throughout the first half, although at times his risk-taking as “false sweeper” was a bit too much. Remember the yelling that Pep gave him for a pass to an attacker in December? (Last month: 8.5)
8: David Alaba
An anchor of the attack in our virtual 3-4-3, playing high and wide, Alaba started the season strongly but defensive problems have appeared in the last couple of months. There is no doubt that the gifted Austrian star can be more dominant on both sides of the pitch. (Last month: 8.5)
7.5: Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri remains difficult to rate. He had a spell on the sidelines with an injury but hasn’t played much since returning, due to the squad depth. Yet, when Pep used him on the right wing in December (Club World Cup), he played a great match. I still see this guy as the future… if we use him well. (Last month: unranked)
7.5: Javi Martinez
Here is a guy I considered as our most important defensive player last season, but who has seen his first half tainted by an injury and lack of proper use as a defensive midfielder. He is not comfortable when deployed in a 3-4-3. We should squeeze more out of him. (Last month: 7.5)
7.5: Mario Mandzukic
13 goals scored in all competitions despite not starting all games and not always being played optimally. By delivering in such circumstances, Mario has efficiency written on his forehead. (Last month: 7)
7.5: Thomas Müller
Speaking of efficiency… Müller had a difficult start this season but let’s give him full credit for fighting against a possible slump with his killer instinct. There were many games where he was difficult to find on the pitch, only to come out of nowhere and score a big goal. (Last month: 6.5)
7.5: Thiago
Many observers accuse me of being biased against him, not without a good reason. When played as defensive midfielders (three times, I think), he was a big liability. When focused on attacking in the midfield, he impressed with brilliant passes in the area. When giving interviews to Spanish media…. ok, let’s not revisit that one. (Last month: 7.5)
7: Jérôme Boateng
Had he maintained his early season form, he’d be among the top three in our Bayern power rankings. Unfortunately, the quality of his defending slowly went down and an ugly mistake against Manchester City allowed them to score a big goal. Jérôme is much better than that. We all know it. (Last month: 7)
6.5: Rafinha
The Brazilian right-back is the one who benefited the most from Pep’s selections. He generally played well, although he has to improve on challenges. If he becomes more reliable in one-on-one situations, his rating will soar. (Last month: 6)
6: Dante
Make no mistake. I love this guy. Cool, calm and professional. He was incredible last season. This term, though, his form dipped and he has been shaky. (Last month: 7.5)