After the World Cup saw France elevated to the top of international football, many players stood out on the biggest of stages. One of those was the young, talented and almost unknown quantity of Benjamin Pavard.
His performances at right-back saw him explode into mainstream football media. It seems Bayern Munich have beaten everyone to his signature as it was announced that he will join the German giants in a five-year deal costing around €35 million.
Benjamin Pavard Agrees Summer Bayern Move
His Rise
Currently playing for Stuttgart, his rise to the top has been well documented. With Die Roten, he was promoted from the second tier of German football, before finishing seventh in the following season.
In that season, he was one of four players to play every minute of Bundesliga action in 2017/18 which saw him be selected for the World Cup. In addition, he is seen as a unique, talented player featuring in many different positions.
Mainly a centre-back, he was deployed successfully at right-back for France, as well as a right winger and midfielder for club and at times a defensive midfielder.
World Cup Winner
France had a problem with their right-back slot and considering the centre-back pairing of Umtiti and Varane was locked down, it gave him an opportunity at right back. He started every game apart from the final group game against Denmark.
Famously, his first international goal was voted goal of the tournament. The sheer technique was something to behold. No one expected him to even be able to produce a goal of that quality. Especially since he had only scored three goals in three years for Stuttgart.
Their defence had the most clean sheets, keeping out highest goalscorer’s Belgium in the semi-finals. Pavard came up against a whole host of talented wingers including Di Maria, Perisic and Hazard.
Of course, Benjamin Pavard is still young and learning but winning the World Cup at such a young age gives him that pedigree. Especially since he played a large role in their success. Not forgetting that he hasn’t had any Champions League experience as of yet, all of that is to come in his career.
However, the summer just gone has propelled his career to new highs after a stunning tournament.
How He Fits In
The transfer seems a very smart one for Bayern. Furthermore, adding one of the most sought after young talents to their ranks for a small fee is solid business.
Regular starters such as Hummels, Martinez and Boateng are all 30 and have been subject to transfer rumours as of late, as well as the fact that backup full back Rafinha is 33 years old. It shows Bayern’s defence to be ageing, some of them just past the prime of their career’s.
Pavard, with the ability to play at centre-back and most likely at right-back, will help his case. But this squad still has some top players such as Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba.
Kimmich at right back is such tough competition for the young Frenchman. However, what we saw in the World Cup is that he can perform to extremely high levels and he will have a big part to play in Bayern’s 2019/2020 season.
Bayern know they have a player who has a lot of potential and who has already competed at the top level and will continue to improve. We will see where he fits in as there is a lot of competition in this team.
Perhaps some defenders may move on in the summer giving Benjamin Pavard more opportunities. One thing is for sure, Bayern have made an excellent signing and have a hugely talented for years to come.
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