From Phillip Lahm's replacement to a world beater; Joshua Kimmich has evolved to a world class player

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As if it is not enough to have a German player replace a legend in Phillip Lahm, Joshua Kimmich has proven to be an upgrade to the former Germany International and has even evolved to be a world class right-back and defensive-midfielder.

Joshua Kimmich has evolved to be a world class player. Photo Credit: Twitter/ UEFA.com

Since making his debut in the 2015-16 season for the Bavarian, when he made over 20 BundesLiga appearances as a 19 year old right-back, he has maintain consistency even at the highest occasions, ensuring Bayern Munich are in no way missing their retired legend.

Again last season, the 25 year old was a very crucial member as Bayern won the treble. He was an ever present in the squad as he made over 50 appearances, recording seven goals and a further 17 assists, while also contributing greatly in defense.

He started the new season where he left off last campaign and has already amassed four goals and 13 assists across all competition in just 19 outings, despite injury keeping him out between early November till mid December last year.

His 10 BundesLiga assists this season is only second to Harry Kane (11) in the whole of Europe's top five leagues. He is also averaging 0.89 assists per 90 minutes in the league so far in the current season, a rate which is better than any other player in Europe's top five leagues.

Jose Mourinho on Joshua Kimmich, “I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No. six, No. eight and No. 10... he has the qualities to be anything! I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player.” When Jose Mourinho attest your brilliance, you should know you are worth the hype.

The former RB Leipzig man has also established a regular place for himself in the German National Team and has made 50 appearances for Die Mannschaft. Kimmich has even captained the side as early as when he was just 22.

Joshua Kimmich has started the season in a fine form. Photo Credit: Twitter/ Joshua Kimmich


He won the German National player of the year in 2017, beating both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Julian Draxler to the award. His consistency saw him make 24 consecutive appearances for the German National Team around that year, while also earning him the name Mr. Reliability in both club and country.

He won the UEFA Champions League best defender last season. He also made the last FIFA FIFPro World 11 and the IFFH Men's World Team, where he slots in the midfield alongside former Bayern Munich teammate, Thiago Alcantara and Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne in both teams.

His versatility has helped him achieve more and also to gain more recognition in world football. Joshua Kimmich can be regarded one of the best, if not the best in the two main positions he is well know to play.

Giving the he was bought for a reported €7m at such a young age years ago, he could go down as one of the best business done by the Bavarian as he still has many years ahead of him. Being German also gives Bayern the confidence of his long term service and commitment to them.

If the Bavarian are to go all the way this season, Kimmich's availability and form will be very decisive for them and for the Die Mannschaft, he remains another generational talent, whose abilities are not limited to one area of the pitch.

Afolabi Kehinde Hassan

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