Kimmich must rein in lightning-quick Kylian
Mbappe v Kimmich
MBAPPE will be having dreams about Bayern’s high defensive line. If there’s anyone who can exploit the space, it’s Mbappe. The graphic (right) shows how they can do it. Can Kimmich contain him? He’s a midfielder more than a fullback. Mbappe can even stay forward longer and give Kimmich a head start, knowing that if he needs to get back he’s got the speed to catch up. If PSG can get Mbappe in behind Kimmich, he’s never catching him.
Muller v Marquinhos
WHEN you’re looking at the threats Bayern pose, Thomas Muller can sometimes be overlooked. But he’s pivotal to what Bayern do. His positional awareness is exceptional and he proves that you don’t need to be rapid to be a top player. His career had almost been written off, but he has shown tremendous desire to get back into the team. It’s so difficult to keep tabs on a player who is so good at finding space. Marquinhos will have to be on top of his game and the communication he has with his team-mates him will be crucial. If they switch off for a moment, Muller will punish them.
Thiago v Herrera
THIAGO is someone I’ve loved since the first time I saw him play for Barcelona. He’s a beautiful footballer. He dictates Bayern’s tempo so PSG must stop him controlling the game. I think Herrera has the legs to get after him. He’ll need to know when to press and when to drop off. I don’t think there’d be one Liverpool fan who wouldn’t want to see them sign Thiago. Liverpool’s midfield has such competition with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Naby Keita and OxladeChamberlain but when you look at their qualities, Thiago does offer something a little different. UNDERESTIMATE Paris Saint-Germain at your peril. Bayern Munich are in incredible form with quality all over the pitch. But in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, PSG have two of the best players in the world. If those two are at it, you have to make sure you’re defending at your best.
Bayern looked vulnerable against Lyon. Memphis Depay and Karl Toko Ekambi missed two great chances early on, score those and the dynamic changes. Even in battering Barcelona, they conceded chances. Here’s how PSG can exploit them.
Bayern’s high line will give Mbappe and Di Maria space to run into if PSG can win the ball back and feed the front three quick enough to exploit it.
Kimmich and Davies love to attack, so will Mbappe or Di Maria be brave enough to stay high and wide when they do? Mbappe knows he can catch Kimmich in a race.
Neymar likes the ball into feet, which will drag Boateng and Alaba even higher towards him as they cannot afford to give him time to turn and run at them. Thiago will be key to stop balls into Neymar.