When Joshua Kimmich first joined Bayern Munich in 2015, it was as a young and promising central midfielder who had played nearly his entire career in that position. But then-coach Josep Guardiola pushed him back to defense in the central defender position. Successor Carlo Ancelotti continued to deploy Kimmich in defense, this time on the right as the then-regular at RB, Philipp Lahm, started to slow down. Kimmich would even succeed Lahm the following season as the Bavarians’ RB as the World Cup winner
retired in 2017.
Now, though, Kimmich has found his way back to midfield, operating as the deepest lying midfielder for the Bavarians for over half a decade now. A massive debate has therefore sprung up as Bayern fans argue among themselves which position Kimmich should be deployed in: midfield or defense.
Naturally, Lahm’s input would be very interesting. The former Germany international made the opposite transition to Kimmich under Guardiola, from operating as a regular at right back to playing in midfield. And, of course, he was the one Kimmich initially succeeded. So where does Lahm think he should play? Midfield or right back?
“Joshua Kimmich has proven that he can play both positions at a high level,” Lahm answered in an interview with Sport1, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “It might also depend on personnel and who is available. To be honest, I actually see him as a No. 8, with a No. 6 alongside him. That would be my ideal position for Joshua Kimmich.”
Regardless of ideal position, Kimmich has proven himself capable of playing multiple positions to a genuinely world class level.
