The start of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season presents Vincent Kompany and Bayern Munich with an unwelcome, yet familiar, challenge: how to maintain attacking fluency without their dynamic playmaker, Jamal Musiala. Just as the young star was poised to hit top form, a collision in the Club World Cup quarter-finals resulted in a fibula fracture and dislocated ankle, mandating an extended period on the sidelines. This is certainly not the ideal scenario for a team aiming to dominate from the outset, and it forces a tactical re-evaluation before a ball is even kicked in the league.
Musiala’s absence leaves a significant void in the number 10 role. His ability to glide past defenders, create opportunities, and link the midfield with the attack is crucial to Bayern`s offensive structure. Finding a direct replacement for such a unique profile is difficult, if not impossible, within the current squad. Therefore, Kompany must look to existing personnel to adapt, fill the gap, or perhaps even reshape the attacking setup entirely.
Potential Solutions from Within
Bayern’s squad depth, while often celebrated, will be truly tested now. Several players possess qualities that *could* allow them to operate in the attacking midfield zone, albeit with different strengths and styles than Musiala. Let`s consider the primary candidates:
Serge Gnabry: The Emergency Option, Again?
When Musiala previously faced a hamstring issue towards the end of the 2024/25 season, Serge Gnabry was one player deployed in a more central attacking role. He responded with a decent haul of goal involvements, demonstrating that he can be effective when asked to step up. With Thomas Müller having departed, Gnabry`s versatility across the front line makes him a logical choice. While primarily a winger, his knack for finding space and finishing could see him answering the call in the middle once more.
Michael Olise: A Creative Relocation?
New signing Michael Olise arrived having enjoyed a stellar debut Bundesliga season, predominantly operating from the right flank. His incredible tally of goals and assists highlights his creative prowess and ability to unlock defenses. Kompany himself has spoken of the need for “creative solutions,” and shifting Olise into a central number 10 role could be just that. His inclination to cut inside onto his left foot and his vision could translate well to the central attacking area, providing a different kind of threat than Musiala but a potent one nonetheless. It`s a fascinating tactical possibility.
Tom Bischof: The Young Contender Eager to Impress?
Tom Bischof`s arrival from Hoffenheim generated quiet excitement, and his appearance in the number 10 role during the Club World Cup offered a glimpse of his potential fit. Though often seen as a box-to-box midfielder, Bischof possesses an impressive ability to shoot from distance and influence play in the final third. Stepping into the spotlight in the Bundesliga unexpectedly could provide the perfect platform for the young German to accelerate his development and potentially steal some early-season headlines. It`s a big ask, but football loves a breakout story.
Alternative Profiles
Beyond these primary candidates, other players might offer tactical flexibility:
- Leon Goretzka: While typically a deeper midfielder, Goretzka is known for his powerful runs into the box and shooting ability. He could provide a more direct, driving presence from midfield, arriving late in attacking zones.
- Raphaël Guerreiro: The Portuguese utility man has demonstrated his attacking capabilities from various positions, even featuring and scoring from the number 10 spot previously. His technical skill and knack for goals make him a viable, albeit perhaps less frequent, option.
- Young Talent: Prospects like Paul Wanner (returning from a valuable loan at Heidenheim), Lovro Zvonarek, and Lennart Karl represent future options. While perhaps not ready for consistent starts in such a crucial role, injuries always open doors, and they might get opportunities to show their potential.
The Tactical Conundrum
Kompany`s task is not simply swapping one player for another. Musiala’s injury requires a strategic decision on how Bayern will construct their attacks. Will they seek a player who tries to mimic Musiala’s dribbling and agility, or will they adapt the system to utilize the strengths of Gnabry’s finishing, Olise’s left-footed creativity, or Bischof’s directness? The chemistry with striker Harry Kane and the wide players will be paramount.
All eyes will be on the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Stuttgart on August 16th, which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser. It will be our first look at how Kompany plans to address this significant early-season puzzle. While losing a player of Musiala`s caliber is undoubtedly a blow, it also provides an opportunity for others to step up and for Bayern to potentially unveil new facets of their attacking play. The Bundesliga season is long, and adaptability is key, but starting without your creative engine room`s main component adds an extra layer of intrigue to Kompany`s debut campaign.
