This game isn't only about strikers, attacking wingers and "number 10's". Sometimes, a missing defender or goalkeeper, even a right back can set a team back. Look at Germany now. Who would have thought that a right back retiring would hamper the team in any real way. But since Bart Simpson stepped down, and nobody worthy has stepped up to fill in that position, the team hasn't looked as strong.
I feel you could see the same with Bayern and Boateng's injury. I know how strong Bayern are, as they have one of the best squads in the world. Thanks, I get that. But Boateng is among the top three best central defenders in the world. You can't argue that fact, you just need to accept it. If he's missing, that is of serious detriment to Bayern, especially in the way in which they play. People seriously underestimate how important Boateng's role is in Pep's philosophy.
Bayern like to push many men forward which means they will always be susceptible to the counter attack. Pep knows this, which is why he's very careful in the defenders he picks and realises how important they are. Boateng is one of the smartest footballers you can find, and his constant interceptions and interventions of counters is a very important reason why Bayern keep winning, and not drawing or losing. The German reads the game very well, and puts himself in the right place so that a potentially devastating through-ball does not lead to a goal.
Him being injured is not a disaster. Bayern aren't going to crumble now. Alaba and Badstuber are both really good defenders and are acceptable covers. But neither of them is as good as Boateng, and you might now start seeing more teams in Bundesliga creating more chances in Boateng's absence. Whether those chances turn into goals and wins is another matter, but Bayern are not as strong at the back without Boateng. Pep will now start to worry as not only does he have a Bundesliga to try and wrap up early, but the reason why he was hired in the first place....the Champions League.
I'm not going to be stupid enough to say Bayern have no chance of winning the Champions League without Boateng. But it will be more difficult and complicated. They have already had their asses handed to them with Boateng in the team, so without him and how lethal the attack of Barcelona and Real Madrid can be, Pep will have to start thinking of getting a defensive midfielder to offer more protection.
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HH
