Since leaving Arsenal in 2016, Serge Gnabry has developed into a star in the Bundesliga. A bargain at just €8 million, Gnabry is a superb investment by Bayern Munich.
Set to play a key role for many years, the former Arsenal youth prospect is slowly becoming the player Arséne Wenger thought he would be in London.
This season, Gnabry has excelled under new manager Niko Kovač. Bayern’s unsung hero, Gnabry is sure to play a big role, despite not being a guaranteed starter.
Serge Gnabry: Unsung Hero of Bavaria
The Season So Far
Struggling with a thigh injury to begin the season, Serge Gnabry’s campaign got off to a slow start. Making 14 appearances during the first half of the season, the former Arsenal winger scored four goals and contributed three assists, in what was a successful start to his Bayern career.
The German’s contributions come as no surprise, with the wide-man bringing a lot to the table. Speed, versatility and confidence, the three keys to Gnabry’s success.
Alongside fellow winger Kingsley Coman, Gnabry brings speed to an ageing team. The speedy duo will look to replace club legends Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in the near future.
Gnabry is also versatile, capable of playing on the left and right wing. The talented winger can also be used up front, possessing great strength for his size. Gnabry’s confidence also plays a big role.
Still only 23-years-old, Gnabry has taken on more responsibility and a bigger role under Kovač. Adapting well, the German looks more than ready to shoulder the load moving forward, making him a useful player to have around.
Arsenal’s Unfortunate Decision
Under former manager Arséne Wenger, Gnabry showed flashes of brilliance at a young age. Seen as a future star in north London, Gnabry’s career at Arsenal flamed out before it even began.
Struggling with injuries and lacking game time, Gnabry was loaned out, before eventually leaving the club. Wenger had no choice in end, with first-team football no longer an option. Sold for just £4.5 million, Gnabry signed for Werder Bremen, a club who could offer him the only thing he wanted, game time.
After a successful spell with Bremen, Serge Gnabry moved on, signing for Bayern. An absolute bargain at just €8 million, the young German was immediately loaned to Hoffenheim. Gnabry would spend one season with Julian Nagelsmann, a manager he thrived under.
Scoring ten goals and contributing seven assists in 22 games, Gnabry had done enough, proving he was ready to play at the highest level. Returning to Bayern, Serge Gnabry has since repaid the clubs trust, making an impact on a weekly basis.
Once again Arsenal’s loss was Bayern Munich’s gain.
Gnabry’s Future at Bayern
As both Ribery and Robben prepare to move on in the summer, Bayern will be tasked with replacing two club legends. Hardly an easy task, Bayern must get this right. Soon, we will find out how much Bayern trust the Coman, Gnabry duo.
Both players are clearly talented, both are young and both are versatile, but the injury history will worry Bayern. When healthy, Coman and Gnabry make a great wing duo. However, both players, especially Coman, have struggled with injuries in their young careers.
Expected to spend big in the summer, Bayern will always have room for these players, but competition is on the way, something both players will have to embrace.
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