Bayern Munich did not see this coming. Schalke came out with intent, and their low block was executed to perfection. A well-deserved point for the Royal Blues.
Fantastic defending, coupled with quick, incisive passing, and attacking initiative on counters meant Schalke was a thorn up Bayern’s backside the entire game. Bayern were a snoozefest in the first half, and only the substitutions of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Jamal Musiala into the game injected energy and purpose into the attack.
Tough
day for the awards, but here are the standout performers from what was an absolute tussle of a game.
Jersey Swap: Loris Karius
Karius just had the GAME OF HIS LIFE.
5 SUREFIRE goals saved. 3 high claims and 9 recoveries. There were other Schalke players having a better game up until the 60’ mark, when Karius decided to single-handedly save his team on multiple occasions, denying Luis Díaz, Harry Kane, and Lennart Karl from point-blank range. Schalke have their star keeper to thank for keeping a point at home.
Honorable mentions: Satoshi Tanaka, Hasan Kuruçay
Tanaka is everything coaches look for in a defensive no. 6. The midfielder was dribbled past 0 times. 6 interceptions, 5 recoveries, 3 tackles, and 4 interceptions as a midfielder. Yes, the stats speak for themselves.
In a team full of top defensive performances, Kuruçay’s was among the best. 4 tackles, one goal-line clearance, 2 blocks, 5 clearances, and a recovery. A monster performance from one of the Bundesliga’s best center-backs.
Der Kaiser: Jonathan Tah
Could have well been Meister of the Match as well. Such was the nature of Tah’s performance tonight. A spectacular performance from a center back who has escaped everyone’s radar this summer as a result of Germany’s pathetic World Cup showing. However, do not forget how solid he was for Bayern last season. There is absolutely no risk of him losing his spot to Minjae Kim, with an insane 97% passing accuracy, 3 tackles, 2 last man tackles, 8 recoveries, and an 80% LONG BALL SUCCESS RATE!
YES, HE MADE 4/5 LONG BALL PASSES!
Beckenbauer, is that you?
Fußballgott: Joshua Kimmich
Far from his best game, but Kimmich did just about enough to pip his teammates for this award. His awareness and ability to fashion chances so quickly and effectively make him such a potent weapon in transitions. With 2 big chances created and 11/13 accurate long balls made (85% ACCURACY!), Bayern’s midfield dictator maestro pulled the strings really well. There were a couple of instances when his passes led to lousy turnovers, but overall, a solid game from the midfielder.
Der Bomber: Michael Olise
The entire dynamic of the game shifted when Olise entered the pitch. Subbed in near the 60-minute mark, Olise didn’t have quite as much time as he would’ve liked to try his hand at Schalke’s defense, but he did plenty with the limited time he had. His very first action of the game involved a backheel nutmeg flick. Yes, this is the level of quality we are talking about.
Olise’s importance can sometimes also be measured by how Bayern looks without him on the pitch. Lackluster, out of ideas, and somewhat clueless in attack. Sure, there were some offensive transitions in the first half, but there was no REAL danger. The moment Olise’s feet touched grass, that changed. Even Schalke’s attackers cooped up inside the box and triple-teamed him every time he was on the ball.
And for good reason.
Meister of the Match: Alphonso Davies
If Luis Díaz could finish, Davies would’ve ended the match with a minimum of 2 assists. Davies has always been an excellent left-back; this is no earth-shattering news. When Davies is fit, he is a top-3 in the world left-back. Possibly right up at the top with Nuno Mendes, if not better. However, what was also on display today was Davies’ passing prowess, which, it turns out, is absolutely world-class.
In the previous few seasons, Davies’ crossing hasn’t been the best. But who knew Davies is a brilliant passer through the lines and can also cut in and play passes through the opposition’s defensive lines? The Canadian speedster made at least 4 insane through balls that really should’ve been dealt with better by his teammates. Both Saibari and Díaz sold massively.
That being said, if Davies can remain fit for the rest of the season, scary hours it is for Europe. Because the best left back in the world might be here to reclaim his spot.
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