ARJEN ROBBEN

Robert Lewandoski has started the new campaign on a good note, scoring three in the 6-0 thrashing of Werder Bremen in the Bavarians’ curtain raiser.

In the last term, he hit 30 goals that were crucial to the winning of the fourth Bundesliga title. He is one of the biggest strikers in world football today, and his record of 80 goals for Bayern since his swap from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 proves this.

Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti has a strong team, with great replacements for the numerous competitions yet complains about Lewandowski’s competition remain. The club’s loyalist Thomas Berthold told news outlet Deutsche Welle: “Carletto [nickname for Carlo Ancelotti] has one big problem – just one big striker. They don’t have top strikers on the bench to win the Champions League.”

The blunt statement is debatable considering that clubs have won the prestigious continental title without numerous top strikers, but the issue at hand worth discussing is the way forward for the club after three pauses in the Champions League semi final stage with former coach Pep Guardiola.

In the squad for the new season, there are enough options on the flanks with Brazilian Douglas Coasta, Franck Ribery, Kingsley Coman, and veteran Arjen Robben who is set to return after time-out to injury. Any pair of two from the sides is sure to send oppositions fear, and goals as the result. Thomas Muller in a central position is not as effective as he would playing side with the wingers. His positioning is a big plus that helped him hit 20 goals in the league last term.

Ancelotti seems to have faith in Julia Green, with the Germen 21-year old featuring in all six pre-season affairs. He might help with the domestic and engagements, but with Lewandowski out, there is a need for a top striker but that isn’t priority for the club obviously.