Bayern Munich has often been criticized in recent years for failing to develop star players from its academy.
The club is working hard to change that opinion, but the fruits of its labor are starting to show. Josip Stanišić has proven to be a Bundesliga-level player and, perhaps, even a starter. Lennart Karl has broken through this season and players like Cassiano Kiala and Wisdom Mike are expected to be impact players in the future.
However, the real gem is getting better every day right before our
eyes — Aleksandar Pavlović.
The 21-year-old Germany international has always been a ruthlessly efficient passer and calm under pressure, but he has made great strides during this season and pushed himself to be more well-rounded. While no official announcement has been made, Pavlović seems to have won the starting job next to Joshua Kimmich and — at times — has outperformed his more experienced and lauded partner.
Pavlović, though, is not content and wants to be even bigger, better, and stronger than he already is. The vision and passing might come naturally to him, but the young German has had to overcome the stigma of being oft-injured and prone to sicknesses (thanks to a lingering medical issue he has since resolved). In addition, Pavlović has had to prove his toughness and ability to deal with physical play. When he debuted, Pavlović was not a physical specimen and was thriving just based on his football ability.
Now, Pavlović is aiming to to not just rely on his elite technical abilities, high football IQ, and composure in the midfield, he wants to be able to play the role of bully when he needs to. Recently, we have seen a physical uptick in his game and if you have been wondering if he has been looking a little more stout, you are on to something:
Yes, Pavlović is going “Full Pandemic Goretzka Mode” by adding strength and size to his frame. That should all serve him well as he aims to handle the rigors of battling in the central midfield.
It seems as if Pavlović is seeking to take the best parts of some of his teammates. The vision and desire to go forward of Kimmich, the physicality of Goretzka, and even the recently-develop edge that defines Tom Bischof’s game.
Still so young, Pavlović’s commitment to getting better, getting stronger, and maintaining a strong desire to continue to expand his abilities should bode well for the future of Bayern Munich’s midfield. While he still might be considered an understudy of sorts, Pavlović is taking all the right steps to eventually be the leading man.
Song of the Week: “Possessed to Skate” by Suicidal Tendencies
Back in the mid-to-late 80s skateboarding had really become huge in the United States. Spreading from the west coast to other areas of the country, it had becomes a bit of a rage being spread through video tapes and magazines (imagine that kind of grassroots effort spreading organically without the benefit of the internet).
Anyway, at that time, skateboarding’s culture was coupled with a sound that had become synonymous with the sport. With influences of punk, metal, and hard rock, it was loosely defined as thrash, but it was unique to what else was out there.
There were quite a few kids I grew up with, who fully embraced that skate culture and while I was no Tony Hawk, I enjoyed hopping on the board from time to time (though you were never going to see me ripping off ollies or kickflips).
To bring it all home, this track by Suicidal Tendencies popped into my head. Enjoy:
Entertainment Rundown
We will be reviewing the latest episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on Friday…and damn, do we have some thoughts on that.
Predictions
Champions League
Tuesday, February 17th
- Galatasaray 1-1 Juventus
- AS Monaco 1-3 Paris Saint-Germain
- Benfica 1-3 Real Madrid
- Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Atalanta
Wednesday, February 18th
- FK Qarabag 1-2 Newcastle United
- Bodo/Glimt 1-2 Inter Milan
- Club Brugge 0-2 Atlético Madrid
- Olympiacos 1-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Prediction Records
- Total: 392-222
- Perfect Picks: 37
- Bundesliga Last Matchday: 7-2
- Bundesliga Overall: 118-81
- DFB-Pokal: 49-11
- World Cup Qualifiers/Friendlies: 99-45
- Champions League: 82-62
- Club World Cup: 39-23
- Club Friendlies: 4-0
- Franz Beckenbauer Supercup: 1-0
If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…
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