FC Bayern vs FC Koln - Bayern Player Ratings

Goalkeeper:
Manuel Neuer - 7
Neuer churned out another solid performance with some great saves, but he wasn't really troubled for most of the match.

Defenders:
Benjamin Pavard - 8
Pavard's natural position seems to be at right back where he has played absolutely phenomenal for the Bayern squad. He consistently got forward and was always a threat to find a dangerous pass. He was not careless with the ball and didn't experience a mental lapse as we have seen in previous Bayern games.

Jerome Boateng - 8
Boateng looks like the best central defender FC Bayern has, but for some reason, the FC Bayern front office does not want to play him (as well as Joachim Low apparently). Boateng is very good with possession and is always in the right position when Bayern has the ball. Defensively, he can be a bit slow sometimes, but he shows his experience and still is very skillful.

Niklas Sule - 8
Sule is perhaps the most careless central defender in possession, but he makes a very large impact defensively. His clearances prevent goal scoring opportunities for the opposing squad. Also, his long balls connected with their targets on a typical basis.

Lucas Hernandez - 8
Hernandez played well getting up the pitch and defending the wings but because of his lack of speed (relative to opposing wingers), he nearly ended up with a red card. However, other than his reckless challenge, Hernandez played very well, especially on the offensive.


Midfielders:
Joshua Kimmich - 9
Kimmich always had the right idea in midfield, especially in the attacking third. He used his defensive skills to consistently win the ball back for his team.

Corentin Tolisso - 7
Tolisso ended his streak of poor performances by playing fairly well and being disciplined in his positioning. In the past, we have seen Tolisso push forward into the box on nearly every play which sometimes led to Bayern's exposure in the midfield on counter attacks. However, Tolisso's positioning was exceptional, and he did well to play dangerous balls forward and into the box.

Ivan Perisic - 9
Perisic has looked dominant in a Bayern shirt proven by his 2 goals and 2 assists in 2 games. His work rate is out of this world, and he is a winger that will help push Bayern into Champions League contention.

Philippe Coutinho - 8
Coutinho showed his skill once more with his exemplary vision and good attacking positioning. He scored a penalty, and he found Robert Lewandowski, Ivan Perisic, and the likes on a consistent basis. While he played a superb game, his pass precision could use improvement.

Serge Gnabry - 7
Gnabry has excelled at the international level, but he has been somewhat disappointing for Bayern in recent matches. With Coutinho acting as the maestro in the attacking half, Gnabry has been counted on less for the Bavarians. If Gnabry gets his touches, I have no doubts he will be back to scoring goals in the near future for his club.

Robert Lewandowski - 8
Lewandowski was clinical once more, netting two goals. Lewandowski and Coutinho seem to have already established a strong friendship and attacking partnership, and Lewandowski's hot streak in front of net will continue if the pair continue to link up.


Substitutes:
Javi Martinez - 7
Javi Martinez came in for Jerome Boateng at center back, and he played very well. Transitioning from the midfield to the heart of the defense, Martinez used his passing skills to help Bayern play successfully out of the back. With his superior defensive skillset, Martinez looks perfect as a maestro playing on the back line. Props to Niko Kovac to switching him back to center back like Pep Guardiola did back in his Bayern days.

Thomas Muller - 7
Muller is a very consistent player for Bayern, and he has been very, very good as a substitute in recent matches. He is relentless in pursuit and typically makes the right plays. However, his finishing and skillset have diminished quite massively in the past 5 years.

Mickael Cuisance - 7
Cuisance could be the young stud that Bayern thought they had found in Renato Sanches. While Cuisance's potential will never be as high as Sanches's, he has played very well in the same role. He has the ability to find the right man in the attack and is also aggressive in defense. He reminds me of a young Toni Kroos.

Germany vs Northern Ireland Euro Qualifiers Player Ratings

Player Ratings
Manuel Neuer GK - 8
Neuer had a very good game in goal, and he made several crucial saves that would have seen Northern Ireland either take control or level the game.

Marcel Halstenberg LB - 4
In the first half, Halstenberg was constantly out of position. It was obvious that the team needs wingers on the wings instead of left backs and right backs (imagine that!). However, he started off the second half with an absolutely fantastic volley to get Germany up 1-0. He also got forward better in the second half, but he consistently gave away possession and was weak defensively at times.

Niklas Sule CB - 7
Sule got Germany out of some sticky situations in the back with several good clearances but had his usual mistakes while in possession.

Matthias Ginter CB - 4
Ginter was very okay until he got hurt and substituted in the 39th minute. He used his body to prevent attacking chances for Norther Ireland, but he did not make any major impact for Germany.

Lukas Klostermann LB - 4
Created opportunities but didn't put away the opportunities given to him. Perhaps the only German player who knew how to play his position and had all the right ideas; however, his execution was poor at best.

Toni Kroos CM - 3
Kroos once again turned in a very poor performance. His midfield general abilities have declined astronomically at this point for the German national team, and if Low was not a completely bullheaded manager, he would have already been exploring options to replace Kroos at the 6.

Joshua Kimmich CM - 7
Kimmich won the ball back well and made several nice passes in the attacking third. However, it remains to be seen if his skills would still be better served at right back instead of stuck in the middle alongside the dreadful Toni Kroos.

Julian Brandt LM - 4
Brandt gave the ball away on a consistent basis in the first half but was able to turn out a semi-decent second half. Brandt wasted countless opportunities within the first 30 minutes, but he did make some dangerous plays afterwards.

Marco Reus CAM - 2
Reus was either wasting chances or not making an impact. The man who Low suggested would be one of his new leaders after he cut three of he squad's top players, has been in dreadful form for the national side recently. This was an embarrassing performance. I would consider changing my name if I were him.

Serge Gnabry RM - 6
Gnabry was the only attacker who seemed even slightly comfortable with Low's new freestyle formation in the attacking third. Gnabry was running around making as many plays as possible, unfortunately he also caused some chances to disappear. However, his goal in the 92nd minute after nice link up play with youngster Kai Havertz was a nice way to cap off the game.

Timo Werner ST - 4
Werner was constantly wasting chances in the first half, but by the time of his substitution, he had already been improving his performance for quite some time. Germany needs Werner to be in his Leipzig form, but the managerial tactics do not allow him to fully showcase his goalscoring ability.

Substitutes:
Johnathan Tah CB - 7
Tah redeemed himself after a ghastly performance against the Netherlands. Coming in for Ginter in the 40th, Tah played the ball cool and composed to his teammates. He also saved a goal... rather clumsily, but he saved it.

Kai Havertz CAM - 7
Havertz played well in a Germany jersey for the first time in a long time, and he impressed with several nice passes in his limited playing time. He played much better than his central attacking midfield partner Marco Reus.

Emre Can CM - 7
Can linked up with his teammates several times in his short span of playing time. He looked comfortable and confident in possession and was able to pick out the right man almost every time. Would love to see Can start in Kimmich's position and Kimmich be moved to right back.

Altogether, a win is a win. That said, whenever Germany plays Northern Ireland or teams of that caliber, it should be a 2-0 dominant performance at the minimum. Low's tactics no longer work in the modern game of football. The players he has cut (Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller, among others) would have solidified perhaps the top international defense and also added another goalscorer who can play either as a 9 or a 10. In summary, Low needs to be fired. The sooner, the better. As soon as Low is gone, this team can start moving forward. The tactics are holding back the stars of Germany. For proof, stars like Ilkay Gundogan, Toni Kroos, Timo Werner, Joshua Kimmich, and even Marco Reus who play extraordinarily well for their club teams, are competing at an average level at best on the international level. The players cannot succeed when following Low's tactics anymore.

U20 USA Men vs France World Cup Player Ratings

The United States under-20 men's national team has defeated France 3-2 on Sebatian Soto's two goals and Justin Rennick's game winner. The USA took the initial lead before falling behind 2-1. The French dominated possession and shots on target, but the Americans survived and played well on the counter attack. I rate each American player's performance in this round of 16 performance before they move on to battle Ecuador in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.


Goalkeeper
Brady Scott - FC Koeln - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 3
Scott, while not the reason for either goal, displayed awful positioning and terrible reflex on the first French goal which he should have been able to stop. His laziness to get back in goal off of the rebound off the post for France's second goal proved backup goalkeeper David Ochoa might have been the better choice.


Defenders
Chris Gloster - Hannover 96 II - Regionalliga
Rating: 7.5
Gloster played very well pushing up the left side of the pitch and played dangerous balls through to his attacking teammates. Gloster was also able to show off his dribbling abilities versus the slower French defenders, and he showed why he is a key part to this national team.

Aboubacar Keita - Columbus Crew - MLS
Rating: 3.5
Keita was the reason for both French goals as his footwork on the first goal allowed the French attackers to run right past him, while his indecision whether or not to attack the ball on the second allowed French winger Moussa Diaby to steal it away and outrun him to the free shot on goal which ultimately rebounded straight to Nabil Alioui who put it in the back of the net.

Chris Richards  FC Bayern II - 3. Liga
Rating: 6.5
Richards silently did his job most of the game until the USA had to make their final stand in the last ten minutes of the game. Richards shut down opposing strikers and wingers which allowed the US to move on to the quarterfinals against Ecuador.

Sergino Dest - Ajax - Eredivisie
Rating: 9
It is hard to tell which was more impressive: Dest's defense or his offense. On offense, he consistently pushed up the wing and made key impacts for the US attack including a bullet from long range that bounced off keeper Alban Lafont's hands straight to the feet of Justin Rennicks who put it away for US's third and final goal of the game.

Mark McKenzie - Philadelphia Union - MLS
Rating: 3.5
McKenzie came in as a sub for Soto in the late game to try to prevent a French goal with around seven minute remaining in regular time. McKenzie then fouled French star Mickael Cuisance right outside the American box, but fortunately for him and the US, the referee didn't see it.


Midfielders
Paxton Pomykal - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 5
Pomykal had an okay game. He was not involved too much with play, but he did make some valuable stops on the defensive side. However, he gave the ball up too often on his runs towards goal.

Brandon Servania - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 5.5
Servania dropped back and played more of a defensive role in the midfield, and he played well. His short passes found their mark more often than not, and he regained possession for his side well enough.

Richie Ledezma - PSV Eindhoven - Eredivisie
Rating: 9.5
Ledezma started the game as an attacking midfielder and played very well making threatening runs that forced the French center backs to step up before he killed them with through balls. His through ball to Sebastian Soto for the Americans first goal of the game was flawless, and he was dangerous in his attacking role the whole game. Later, he moved back into a more defensive center midfield role, and his passes were precise and visionary.

Forwards
Sebastian Soto - Hannover 96 - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 9
Soto netted two of the US's goals in clinical fashion and has proven himself to be the US's best number 9 so far. He has now scored 3 goals in his last 4 matches at this World Cup, and he could be the one to take the reigns from Jozy Altidore on the senior team in a couple years.

Timothy Weah - PSG - Ligue 1
Rating: 8.5
Weah's incredible pace allowed him to stretch the French defense, and he passed the ball well across the middle to set up great chances for his teammates. Weah has developed into an absolute star.

Ulysses Llanez - VFL Wolfsburg u19 - German Youth League
Rating: 8.5
Llanez came on for de la Fuente and then subsequently showed why he should have started the match. He nearly hammered in a shot from considerable distance before using his skills and passing display to help secure the victory for the Americans.

Justin Rennicks - New England Revolution - MLS
Rating: 7.5
Rennicks scored the game-winner after Sergino Dest's bullet shot bounced off the hands of French goalkeeper Alban Lafont. Rennicks ran well and gave full effort since coming on as a substitute, and his passes were crisp and dangerous through balls for attacking partners Soto and Weah.

Konrad de la Fuente - FC Barcelona Juvenil A - UEFA Youth League
Rating: 2
De La Fuente's World Cup is hopefully over. For USA fans everywhere, I hope it is. De la Fuente, deemed the next American star, has been horrific. He consistently dribbles into two or three defenders and loses the ball. It is very rare that he passes, but he excels at giving up possession.

USA U20 Men's National Team Player Ratings - Group Stages

With the men's u-20 FIFA World Cup advancing into the knockout rounds, with the US involved in the lucky bunch moving on, I grade every player's performance to this point from 1-10, with 10 being the highest.

Goalkeepers
Brady Scott - FC Koln - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 6.5
Scott started the first two of three group stage games, and he played fairly well. It would be hard to fault him for either of the goals he conceded versus Ukraine. He did hold a clean sheet against Nigeria.
David Ochoa - Real Salt Lake - MLS
Rating: 7
Ochoa played well in his sole start against Qatar; although he did have a shaky start. Positioning and handling are two skills Ochoa needs to improve upon, but he was able to post a clean sheet in the US's final group game which helped them claim the second spot in their group.


Defenders
Aboubacar Keita - Columbus Crew - MLS
Rating: 5
Keita is a talented player, but he makes far too many mistakes. While he played fairly well against Ukraine and Nigeria, his performace against Qatar was awful, and he is lucky he did not cost his team a knockout stage berth.

Chris Richards - Bayern II - 3. Liga
Rating: 8
Richard, the young Bayern II star, has had a very good tournament thus far. Like may of FC Bayern's talented center backs, Richards is cool and composed with the ball and finds the right passes. Also, he is very good at snuffing out attacks.

Mark McKenzie - Philadelphia Union - MLS
Rating: 5
McKenzie is a very talented youngster, but his positioning in the right back position was awful in the USA's last group game. He consistently allowed the opposition's wings whatever space they would like, before sprinting out once they received the ball.

Chris Gloster - Hannover 96 II - Regionalliga
Rating: 8
Gloster contributed very well to the attack up the wing and made many very good runs that should have been taken more advantage of by his teammates. If Gloster gets the ball on the wing, he can be very dangerous.

Sergino Dest - Ajax - Eredivisie
Rating: 6.5
Dest played well as a full back attacking up the wings, but he made a few defensive mistakes including one that contributed majorly to the opening goal for Ukraine.

Matthew Real - Philadelphia Union - MLS
Rating: 5
Although he didn't get to play too much, Real looked like an able defensive replacement as a wing back but failed to give manager Tab Ramos the attacking prowess provided by others on the roster.


Midfielders
Alex Mendez - SC Freiburg u-19 - German Youth League
Rating: 6.5
Mendez was one of the US's most impactful players through the group stages and proved his long shots can be quite dangerous. However, he consistently failed to finish his opportunities. His passing display was average to good. Unfortunately, he will miss the match against France after picking up his second yellow card in the Qatar game.

Chris Durkin - DC United - MLS
Rating: 5
Durkin started all three games for the United States, and he was very inconsistent. In his first game (against Ukraine), he had a horrible performance in which he gave the ball away nearly every possession and was unable to slow down the opposition in the midfield defensively. He excelled against Nigeria where his relentless defensive hustle allowed the US to create a few turnovers, and he found the right passes. Against Qatar, he had an average performance where he turned the ball over too many times but still slowed down the Qatar attack slightly. When he's on his game, he's a game changer.

Paxton Pomykal - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 7
The FC Dallas midfielder has enjoyed a fine World Cup so far and was the team's foremost playmaker in the Ukraine loss and Nigeria win. I would not be surprised if he became a midfield stud for a European team within the next decade.

Brandon Servania - FC Dallas - MLS
Rating: 6.5
Servania has provided the US with a decent attacking option out of the midfield. Club teammates with Pomykal, the two thrived as a duo despite the loss against Ukraine. Servania loves to surge ahead and make runs into the box, but he can be a liability defensively.

Richie Ledezma - PSV Eindhoven - Eredivisie
Rating: 8
While Ledezma has only played one game and was a substitute in his lone appearance, his performance against Qatar after checking in was near flawless. He made exhilarating runs down the flank with some hard, exciting crosses into the middle and nearly scored as his long-distance shot banged against the crossbar.


Forwards
Konrad de la Fuente - FC Barcelona Juvenil A - UEFA Youth League
Rating: 4
De la Fuente has been beyond disappointing in this World Cup, and I would love to see him replaced by Ledezma on the wing. While de la Fuente is supposed to be one of the US's brightest young stars, already playing for FC Barcelona II at 18 years of age, he oft gives up possession after dribbling into two or three defenders. His crosses are inaccurate, and he can't get a shot off because of his lack of ball control. So far, Konrad de la Fuente's potential has looked like a subpar American soccer play at best.

Sebastian Soto - Hannover 96 - Bundesliga 2
Rating: 7
Soto netted two goals against Nigeria and displayed excellent hold up play against Qatar. While he gives away possession just a bit too much to be considered a US star at this point, he has been one of this side's biggest attacking threats throughout the group stages.

Timothy Weah - PSG - Ligue 1
Rating: 7
Weah started off the tournament as the center striker in Tab Ramos's lineup, but he was quickly moved outside where he has thrived as a winger. His speed and dribbling ability allow him to make quick cuts and make runs past the opponent's back line. He scored the game winner against Qatar and nearly netted a brace but couldn't finish one-on-one with the keeper. While Weah's play has been quite good, his finishing needs much help if he is to be considered a star one day.

Ulysses Llanez - VFL Wolfsburg u-19 - German Youth League
Rating: 7
Llanez, like Ledezma, hasn't gotten very much playing time this World Cup, but when he did get on the pitch,(versus Qatar), made beautiful runs and crossed the ball nicely into the box or earned corners. A Ledezma/Llanez pairing would be very fun to see as the tournament progresses.

Justin Rennicks - New England Revolution - MLS
Rating: 5
Rennicks is a capable forward, but he hasn't been able to show much of his ability yet. However, his hustle and willingness to run and not give up have earned him our hearts.

What is Wrong with the US Men's Soccer Team?

The US men’s national soccer team isn’t going anywhere no matter what it may seem. Some argue that the focus needs to be on the youth and getting them experience and developing them; some say we need the right manager and the best players if we want to win, but both are wrong. The truth is the US men’s team is going to fail no matter what. Young American soccer players who play in the MLS will never win a major international tournament. Former American stars like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore have all played in Europe, and the US men’s team won’t get better until their players start playing overseas.

Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams played in the German Bundesliga this past campaign, and both experienced fine years. Pulisic nearly helped Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title, while Adams helped his RB Leipzig squad secure second in the DFB Pokal. Both of their squads’ dreams were crushed by the German giants, Bayern Munich who formerly employed a young American winger by the name of Julian Green. While Green has played overseas for most of his career, he still has not really broken on to the international scene for the US men’s team which is a rare case for Americans playing in Europe. So, while it won’t happen in all cases, playing for European teams will prepare players for the tough international battles.

American heroes like Landon Donovan (Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Everton), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur), Tim Howard (Manchester United, Everton), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Aston Villa, AS Roma), and Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, Sunderland) all have had tremendous success In the men’s national team after playing for European clubs. In fact, when the US team was at its best, it boasted Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra who also played overseas for Fulham. These players are proof that it is vital for America to start loaning or transferring their players to Europe for necessary development that will greatly benefit the international men’s soccer situation.

What Each of the 7 Biggest Clubs Should Do This Summer

With the 2018-19 season closing and the summer transfer window approaching, I delve into what each of these world class clubs should do this summer. 

FC Barcelona

1. Sign Antoine Griezmann

While he arguably shouldn’t be the top priority for Barcelona considering their defense is weaker than their attack, Griezmann would add a whole new dimension to FCB’s striking core. Like Messi, Griezmann can score, facilitate, and dribble. The combo would be deadly, especially with a star finisher like Luis Suarez in the middle.

2. Sign Matthis De Ligt

Signing De Ligt would be a massive help for Barca’s back line. The 19-year old was a star at Ajax this past season, and he would do wonders for Camp Nou alongside his fellow Ajax player Frenkie de Jong who recently signed with Barca.

3. Sign Filipe Luis

Filipe Luis has already rejected an offer from Borussia Dortmund as he expects to receive an offer from Barcelona. His free transfer would relieve Barca from paying too much for a 33-year old left back, but Luis will provide some much needed depth at left back as Jordi Alba struggled down the stretch and is only getting older. Ideally, Barca would bring back Alex Grimaldo to start at left back, but with Jordi Alba still on the roster, it seems as if Luis is the more likely option.

Real Madrid

1. Sign Eden Hazard

Hazard has been linked to Madrid for forever, and this could be the perfect timing to complete a move. Hazard enjoyed a remarkable season in the Premier League while Real struggled in all competitions. Now with Zinedine Zidane back at the helm, and Gareth Bale sitting on the bench, it seems that Hazard is the perfect for Madrid.

2. Sign Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe is the world’s best youngster at this point, and with Madrid’s inability to score goals, he would be a perfect signing. Mbappe has recently hinted at a departure from his current French club, and Zidane would be wise to throw his hat in the ring. Mbappe will instantly bring a whole new aspect to lacking Madrid attack that failed to perform with Karim Benzema at the 9.

3. Sign Alex Sandro

Madrid’s massive rebuild also requires defensive help. Sandro performed well in Juventus this year, and he would be in a rotation for a starting left back role with Marcelo who got beat defensively far too much last season.

Paris Saint-Germain

1. Keep Kylian Mbappe and Neymar

The first priority for PSG needs to be to keep their two superstars. While Edinson Cavani is a clinical star at the 9, Neymar and Mbappe are the true superstars which make PSG’s attack so lethal. The French club has already spent so much on securing their talents, if they spend even more money to make them stay, they will secure one of Europe’s finest attacks.

2. Sign Paul Pogba/Wilfred Ndidi

Even with Ander Herrera on the way, PSG needs some more defensive midfield help. If PSG wants to spend even more money to create their super-squad, Paul Pogba would be the obvious choice. Pogba will demand a high transfer fee and a high salary, but he will be able to make a difference on the pitch box-to-box. Meanwhile, Ndidi is a much cheaper option, but he has a wonderful work rate and is great at winning back possession.

3. Sign Kalidou Koulibaly

The center back would make an instant impact on a defense that is actually pretty weak despite boasting some big names. Alongside Marquinhos and Thiago Silva, Koulibaly would be a solid addition and security blanket for PSG.

Manchester United

1. Sell Alexis Sanchez, Sign Gareth Bale

Yes, you heard me: Gareth Bale. Bale is so out-of-favor in Madrid right now that United could swoop in and get him for cheap. Sanchez has been horrible since his return to Manchester but selling him will leave United with a more friendly wage budget as well as a wide open right wing. Bale could very well return to his prior form if given a chance to return to the Premier League.

2. Sell Ashley Young, Sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka

While United needs to sell most of their players in order to complete their rebuild, signing Wan-Bissaka, arguably the Premier League’s best right back last season, is also very important to rebuilding the defense. Ashley Young was absolutely terrible (and overpaid).

3. Sign Mauro Icardi

With all the rumors pointing towards Romeluu Lukaku leaving for Inter Milan, Icardi will most likely be put out of a job by the talented Belgian. Icardi could very well be a fit in Ole Gunner’s system, but he will be on a rotation with Marcus Rashford at the 9.

FC Bayern Munich

1. Sign Leroy Sane

Sane is one of the world’s best young wingers, and he could come relatively cheap to the German giants. Signing Sane would allow Bayern to push Gnabry to the inside of their formation behind Lewandowski as a replacement for the aging Thomas Muller and the departing James Rodriguez.

2. Sign Erik Ten Hag as manager

Ten Hag had a wonderful year in Ajax this season and is known for his ability to develop young players. With Bayern going through a rebuild, Ten Hag is the right man for the job. Also, signing him might lure one of his young stars from his current team.   

3. Sign Matthis De Ligt

Signing the world’s best young defender would go a long way to bolster Bayern’s defense. If Bayern signs Ten Hag, this could be a very possible option. The signings of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard would allow Bayern a lot of freedom when it comes to the futures of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels.

Liverpool

1. Sign Memphis Depay

Depay would give Liverpool even more attacking help alongside Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. While it seems unlikely all four could share the pitch at the same time, it seems very possible Depay could outplay Firmino and claim the starting striker spot to further improve Liverpool’s newly redesigned attack.

2. Sign Kai Havertz

Havertz would give Klopp a young attacking midfield general who distributes the ball well and can also score goals when needed. Havertz might develop nicely under his fellow German coach.

3. Sign backup fullbacks

With Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clyne gone, plus the uncertain future of James Milner, Klopp needs some depth at the fullback positions. Former FC Bayern backup Rafinha could be an option as a free transfer and/or perhaps Dutchman Denzel Dumfries.

FC Bayern Munich 2019 Summer Moves: Keep or Sell?

With FC Bayern nearly losing the Bundesliga title to their rival club Borussia Dortmund, the club needs some major renovations. Many fans and pundits are calling for a major overhaul, and I explore what FC Bayern should do with each player in their squad.

Goalkeepers

Manuel Neuer – Keep

Neuer still has a case for being the best goalkeeper in the world, and as long as he is, he will not be replaced in Bayern. However, there has already been some thought in finding a young prodigy to develop until the time is right.

Sven Ulreich – Keep

Ulreich has filled his backup duties well so far in Bayern. With Neuer being oft injured this campaign, Ulreich has stepped up and played like a top goalkeeper. However, he will not be securing a starting job at another world class club because of his sometimes head-scratching mistakes.

Christian Fruchtl – Keep

Fruchtl is a young goalie who could be groomed to become Bayern’s next starter if Neuer holds down his position for the next 5 years.

Full Backs

Joshua Kimmich – Keep

Kimmich is the best right back in the world, and he led the Bundesliga in assists this past season. Kimmich will be counted on to be a leader for many more years to come.

David Alaba – Keep

Alaba is regarded as one of the world’s best left backs, and he will continue to start at the left back role even after an inconsistent season at Bayern and the arrival of Lucas Hernandez.

Rafinha – Release

Rafinha enjoyed a fine career at Bayern, but he is no longer world class material. Bayern decided to let his contract run out, and he will be joining another team this summer where he will most likely get more minutes on the pitch.

Center Backs

Niklas Sule – Keep

Current manager Niko Kovac has praised Niklas Sule as his number 1 center back, and despite the arrivals of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, Sule will be counted on to start and perform for Bayern.

Mats Hummels – Keep

Hummels is a German staple in Bayern’s defense. Hummels is a sound player with good tactics, but he can make sloppy mistakes in the back. While his play was far from great, he improved over the course of the season.

Jerome Boateng – Sell

Boateng used to be considered one of the world’s best center backs before a disastrous World Cup and past campaign for Bayern. He has become lazy and sloppy when making tackles and has proven to be a liability for the Bundesliga champions.

Central Midfield

Thiago – Keep

Thiago is the midfield general at Bayern; he is a lock to start almost every game, and he ensures that Bayern keeps possession and stay in control of the game. He was easily one of the best players in the Bundesliga this season, and his consistent performances are what managers rely on.

Corentin Tolisso – Keep

Tolisso showed signs of immense potential last season before being kept on the bench because of injuries. Tolisso could be the next Thiago for Bayern, and his skill could eventually lead to a consistent starting role with the Bavarian giants.

Renato Sanches – Keep

Sanches does not get much playing under Niko Kovac, and he could ask for a transfer or a loan soon. Sanches is a very aggressive player who sprinkles in phenomenal plays with technical mistakes. However, he is still young, and Bayern should keep him at least for the time being.

Wingers + Attacking midfielders

Arjen Robben – Release

Robben decided it was time for him to go, which signals an end of an era in Bayern.

Franck Ribery – Release

Ribery also decided to leave the club in the summer, which means neither piece of the Robbery duo will be intact after Bayern’s DFB Pokal Final against RB Leipzig.

Kingsley Coman – Keep

Coman was one of Bayern’s best players this year despite missing time with injuries. Coman has made sure that he has a starting spot in Bayern’s squad next year with his fantastic performances.

James Rodriguez – Keep

While it seems very likely that James will be leaving for Real Madrid after his loan deal expires, it would be best for the German club to keep him. Keeping James in the rotation with the young Leon Goretzka and the proven, consistent Thomas Muller would give whoever manages Bayern next year an option at the attacking midfield spot.

Serge Gnabry – Keep

Gnabry played very well on the opposite wing of Coman this past season and has become one of Germany’s most talked about young stars. His ability to score goals is unrivaled by any other winger in the Bundesliga besides the likes of Marco Reus and Arjen Robben.

Leon Goretzka – Keep

Goretzka plays very well at the attacking midfield position, as his positioning is nearly flawless. He always finds himself in the right spot and reminds a little bit of a younger Thomas Muller.

Alphonso Davies - Keep

If Kovac stays on as Bayern manager, staying at Bayern will be the best thing for his career. Under Kovac, Davies saw time that he might not have received under a different manager. If he continues to get opportunities with the first team, his career should take off at Bayern.

Thomas Muller – Keep

While Muller is no longer the goal scoring threat he used to be, he still makes the right plays and finds openings for himself and his teammates.

Strikers

Robert Lewandowski – Keep

While Bayern needs to invest in a backup for the aging striker from Poland, Lewandowski is widely regarded as the world’s best striker, and Bayern will do everything they can to keep him wearing the red and blue.

Players Incoming:

Lucas Hernandez LB/CB

Benjamin Pavard CB/RB

Likely Signings:

Callum Hudsoin-Odoi RW/LW

Leroy Sane LW

Timo Werner ST