Joshua Kimmich, the rightful heir to Lahm’s Throne.
It’s no secret that when 8-time Bundesliga winner Phillip Lahm decided to retire last year, Bavarians were distraught. One of the most decorated defenders in history and Bayern Munich’s captain had decided to hang up his boots, at only the age of 33. The right-back position was a spot Bayern fans were worriless about since Lahm came in the picture back in 2005. The garlanded German international had lead Germany to a triumphant summer in 2014 when the Germans were crowned World Champions for a fourth time, beating a loaded Brazil squad 7–1 in the semifinals and Messi’s Argentina in the final.
When a player of Lahm’s caliber retires, fans are usually hesitant about replacements, reminiscent of said player in starting line-up, and extremely and rapidly judgmental, of whoever steps in to fill the retiree’s shoes. I’m here to tell all fans that Phillip Lahm’s heir has arrived, and dare I say it, I see potential in his successor to surpass Lahm’s legacy and be one day regarded as the greatest right back to ever play for Bayern Munich. Step in, Joshua Kimmich.
Joshua Kimmich, 23, joined the German champions back in 2015. Kimmich joined the Bavarians aged only 19 after he caught the legendary Pep Guardiola’s attention, in his tenure as Bayern manager. Guardiola decided to pay Stuttgart’s asking price for Kimmich, a hefty €8.5 million. Although this number doesn’t sound like a lot now, following Mbappe and Neymar’s moves to PSG, €8.5 million was a substantial amount for a teenager. Real Madrid bought Marco Asensio for €3.5 million. Stuttgart will come to regret caving in and accepting Bayern’s tempting offer. Alexander Zoriyer, Stuttgart boss, publicly stated “He (Kimmich) should have never been allowed to leave. It was a fatal mistake.”
When asked who I think the best right back in the world is right now, I respond with “Without a doubt, Joshua Kimmich.” I always receive scoffs and weird glares following my answer and get asked how I didn’t say either of the Dani’s (Carvajal & Alves.) Carvajal and Dani Alves have strong cases as they were integral part of their teams’ successes. However, Joshua Kimmich has been sensational this year filling in Lahm’s shoes.
I’m aware that goals and assists don’t always translate to a player’s performance, but when a right back has been involved in 16 goals by mid-March, it’s noteworthy and shows his dedication to overlap and support the offense. A fullback that can play on both ends of the field is crucial in today’s game.
Although Kimmich stats prove that he’s one of the greatest talents in world football right now, it’s not the only reason he’s destined for success. Kimmich’s versatility makes him a nightmare for oppositions. Growing up, Kimmich used to play in the central defensive midfielder position. This role nurtured his ball retrieving ability. Kimmich’s youth coaches played him in that position because he is excellent at picking passes. Besides his ability to play in midfield, the German international can play as a full back on either sides of the pitch, and center back.
Under Ancelotti, Kimmich orchestrated the midfield as Carlo relied on him heavily in 4–3–3 formation. Under Heynckes and Löw, Kimmich plays as a right back. Kimmich first started playing as right back in Euro 2016 in France at the age of 21, Josh started every Germany game at the Euros and ended up making the Euro 2016 team of the tournament. Finally, under Pep, Kimmich played as a centre back. When the press told Guardiola that Kimmich shouldn’t play as a centreback because he doesn’t have the capabilities. Pep responded “I love Joshua Kimmich. He has everything to achieve everything he wants. He’s played against big strikers in the Champions League. Please don’t tell me he can’t play centre back.”
The Silver Fritz Walter awardwinner (Germany’s most promising player under 18,) Kimmich has proven his supporters right and has shut up his critics. Kimmich has been managed by legendary coaches and they all have been in awe of him. After a game against Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Guardiola ran to Kimmich straight after the final whistle and couldn’t stop himself from complimenting Joshua after a great game “ You absolutely rocked the house once again! You were sensational Josh! Sensational! I’m so proud of you.” This enthusiasm from one of the greatest coaches ever doesn’t come easily. Pep knows what this kid is going to be one day — the best right back in the world.
Kimmich has been involved in more goals (13) than any other German player since his debut in May 2016. He also has more assists (8) in the European World Cup qualifier than other player in the competition. In addition, Joshua broke Franz Beckenbauer’s record of 21 consecutive games for Germany, making him only 10 short of Berti Vogts all time record for consecutive appearance for the Nationalmannschaft.
Comparisons to Phillip Lahm have risen as expected; however, Lahm was a defender by trade, comfortable on either flank. Joshua transitioned to right back from the central defensive midfielder position. That’s why Kimmich has a more natural instinct to push forward than his predeccessor. Kimmich should be painted as more of a Müller-Lahm hybrid than Lahm’s clone due to his superior ability to support the offense. About one year ago, Kimmich went on an 8-game stretch where he scored 7 goals, from the right back position!
As a result of all the comparisons between Lahm and Kimmich, I took it upon myself to look up both Lahm’s and Kimmich’s stats after 100 appearances for Bayern, Kimmich already has an advantage over Lahm! Kimmich is a silent assassin and that’s why he’s not as recognized by the media as much as Dani Alves is for example. All he cares about is putting in the hard work in training and supporting his team the best way he can, he doesn’t need to be the face of the Bayern franchise.
“Joshua is one of the biggest talents I’ve seen over the past years.” -Joachim Löw. A lot of praise for Josh, being managed by four managers who will go down in history has helped me develop as a player. His incredibly high football IQ and versatility has earned him a new contract at Bayern, which will see him stay in Munich till 2023. His ability to keep possession of the ball and play beautiful football has been showcased under Guardiola. Kimmich seems to never runs out of breath, he’ll be found overlapping to support the offesne, he’ll be found in the box trying to score, guarding the left winger, he’s everywhere on the pitch. That’s why Bayern are so lucky to have him. According to player ratings, Kimmich has been the second most effective player for Bayern this year, behind Robert Lewandowski who has scored 26 goals so far this campaign.
In addition to all these accomplishments, at only 23, Kimmich has already worn the captain armband for Germany against Italy. When Thomas Müller handed Joshua Kimmich the captain’s armband, he may as well have been placing a crown on the head of one of the newest members of German Football royalty.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Kimmich will be an integral part of Germany’s strategy and he will make it into the best XI of the world cup when it’s over. Josh has it all takes to become one of the best players in the world, and not just in a defensive position. The entire football world will start noticing Kimmich now as he solely own the starting right back position at Bayern. In no time, Kimmich’s comparisons to Lahm will halt because Kimmich will overtake Lahm as Bayern’s greatest fullback.
