Who remembers the pictures taken after Bayern Munich won the 2020 UEFA Champions League? Leon Goretzka’s incredible physique was the envy of the world (though some saw his receding hairline compared with the body and drew other conclusions) as he flexed next to the trophy. He was Bayern’s strong man in midfield for many years.
But he is leaving in the summer. Bayern will need another strong man in midfield.
Aleksandar Pavlović is the most natural candidate for the job, given his height at 6’2″. Though
Goretzzka’s departure is clearly not the main reason for this, he has notably been putting work into getting stronger. The results of which can be seen down here:
The 21-year-old recently published this picture of himself on social media and, in a recent interview, he was asked about it. Because of course he was.
“A little (laughs). But I don’t want to be a bodybuilder, I don’t want to gain too much muscle mass,” Pavlović answered in turn. “That can be a hindrance. Still, it feels good to be in such good athletic shape.”
Of course, calling back to those buff Goretzka pictures, the interviewer asked whether the senior Germany international was a role model in this aspect.
“Leon used to have significantly more muscle than I do now. More like Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s a role model of mine in general. He’s a model of a professional in every respect.”
It is funny to think that Pavlović came fairly close to falling through the cracks at Bayern due to a lack of physicality. Then he had a late growth surge, grew to his current big height, added the physique required to his game and continues to build on it. Now he is one of Bayern’s most important outfield players. Pavlović’s story is one of opportunism as well as hard work. That has to be respected.
