Bayern Munich did not wait much time to assert its dominance in a 5-0 win over Hamburger SV. Powered by four first half goals, it was a rout from the outset. Let’s get into it…
Jersey Swap: Nicolai Remberg
Admittedly, this is tough. No one from the Hamburg really deserved a look considering just how overrun they were. That left us to look at a handful of players, who, well, just did not have to do much to get consideration. We went with Remberg because he his stats were relatively decent and —at a minimum — he looked like losing
so badly bothered him. Remberg completed 27 of his 30 passes (90%), including going three of five on long balls. Remberg also won seven of his 11 ground duels and only lost possession three times.
Der Kaiser: Konrad Laimer
Let’s be honest…Laimer did not have to do much to earn his award on the day, but he was solid defensively, brought great energy, and had an assist. All-in-all, not a bad day on the pitch for the Austrian star, who is playing out of position. At this point, though, it is fair to wonder if he is every going back to the central midfield. For the match, Laimer completed 88% of his passes (51/58), won three of his five ground duels, and had five key passes.
Fußballgott: Aleksandar Pavlović
This is just what the doctor ordered for the youngster — and not in the same way that doctor usually prescribes things to the oft-injured or ill Pavlović. The 21-year-old came out firing and looked like his old self, which was awesome to see. Think about it, if Pavlović can get back to his old level of play, this Bayern Munich team could get even stronger than it already is…which is quite scary. Baby steps, though, and this was great progress. Contributing a goal with a great finish in the 9th minute, the midfielder was pretty much awesome in every aspect of the game. Pavlović also completed 96% of his passes (111/116) and only lost possession seven times.
Der Bomber: Serge Gnabry
Dare we say it? Gnabry is BACK, baby! Not everything was perfect for the Germany international but his game-opening goal in the 3rd minute was an absolute rocket, he drew a hand ball penalty that Harry Kane would go on to convert, and just in general, Gnabry was a problem. Yes, it was Hamburg and not Real Madrid, but this kind of progress for Gnabry is welcomed in so many ways. Gnabry completed 28 of his 30 passes (93%), including one key pass as well.
Gnabry would leave the match after halftime, but his impact was felt. Isn’t that nice?
Meister of the Match: Harry Kane
The #PenaltyMerchant struck again (we kid, we kid)! Kane was excellent in the match in what was a very well-rounded performance for the Englishman. Kane also had the assist on Pavlović’s goal to really establish Bayern Munich’s dominance in the contest. These are the kinds of games that you love to see from Kane where he shows a little bit of all the little intricacies of his game. The scoring mentality, the vision, the playmaking, and his ability to draw so much attention that space magically frees up for his teammates.
Kane added a second goal in the 62nd minute to cap off his night. The Englishman completed 23 of his 27 passes (85%), won both of his ground duels, and only lost possession six time.
Just a terrific performance.
