The Bundesliga season thus far has not been close to what we usually expect. RB Leipzig have stolen the show, ahead of heavyweights like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Last season’s runaway champions Bayern Munich are finding it tough to get a foot in the title race.

Bayern Munich

Bayern have, without doubt, made an average start to the season. The Bavarians have failed to impress under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and have been poor in the Champions League as well. The Italian has many issues to address at the Allianz Arena.

Lack of Clarity

In recent years, Bayern have always adopted the signature style of the coach. They played fast paced football under Jupp Heynckes and slower, more patient football under Guardiola. There seems to be a lack of clarity as to how Ancelotti wants them to play.

Bayern have relied heavily on deep lying play-makers to connect defense with attack. Under Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso has been pivotal in ensuring this. The wing-backs Philipp Lahm and David Alaba are usually high up the pitch as a result of this. This in turn leaves them vulnerable to counter attacks. Arturo Vidal is more of a ball winner rather than a play-maker putting pressure on Thiago to drop deeper as well. Wingers like Douglas Costa and Arjen Robben have also moved inwards to accommodate the wing-backs.  What this means is that many players find themselves in uncomfortable positions. Furthermore, the ball distribution is limited to Alonso and Lahm (if he plays as a midfielder).

Thiago’s Freedom

All teams require a quality No.10 to act as a play-maker from an advanced position. Thiago has been a mainstay in Ancelotti’s new look Bayern but hasn’t really been afforded the freedom of a No. 10. With Bayern’s limited link between defense and attack, it requires Thiago to drop deeper to receive the ball. This hinders his freedom to make smart runs and pick passes from around the opponent’s box. Some argue that Thiago is better playing from the deep but with Ribery’s age and Bayern’s lack of outright number 10’s, Thiago would be a perfect fit for the role. To ensure his freedom, Ancelotti must ensure he receives the ball in advanced positions. This means more of an emphasis on Alonso and playing Lahm alongside the veteran Spaniard.

Defensive Form

Bayern signed Mats Hummels in the summer expecting to form a rock solid defense. The back four, however, have been rather poor. Jerome Boateng has not shown the form everyone’s so accustomed to. Mats Hummels has not been particularly bad but doesn’t seem to have the authority he had at Dortmund.

The main problem lies with the full-backs being in far too advanced positions. This leaves Bayern exposed on the counter. FC Rostov tore the Bayern defense apart in the Champions League game and provide a perfect example of this. Ancelotti needs Boateng back at top form and should play a ball winning midfielder like Vidal against more difficult oppositions to shield the defense. Hummels also needs to return to his authoritative self.

Borussia Dortmund

Issues at the back

Dortmund have been defensively poor this season. An important reason for this is the departure of Mats Hummels. Marc Bartra has been brought in but has not yet adapted to the pace of the Bundesliga. He has shown glimpes of his qualities but needs more time to settle in. Sokratis remains solid but requires his partner to be on the same wavelength.

Injuries have also plagued the defense. Erik Durm, Bartra, Gurreiro and Piszczek have been injured frequently. This means players have been forced to play in uncomfortable positions. 

Lack Of Midfield Options

Thomas Tuchel has a plethora of attacking options. Ranging from Reus to Dembele, the flair on both wings paired with Aubameyang is undeniable. Unfortunately, the deeper midfield does not have as many players available. Julian Weigl and Gonzalo Castro have been good but Dortmund require a ball winning midfielder. Both Weigl and Castro are more attack minded.

Hence, frequently leaving the defense exposed. An enforcer would shield the defense and add more steel to the flair Dortmund possess. 

Leipzig’s Impact

Leipzig are the talk of the football world. Top of the league in their debut season. Ralph Hasenhuttl has been inventive and pragmatic in his tactical approach that has worked wonders.

Leipzig are one of the few teams who still play a 4-2-2-2 formation. Much like Leicester City, the two forwards have a huge impact on the game. Leipzig are not as much of a counter attacking team. This is surprising for a team that usually comes up against far more superior sides. Credit to Hasenhuttl who has essentially created a highly rotational team. The Leipzig game plan is highly adaptive and offers players freedom of positioning. At the same time it ensures discipline by playing powerful midfielders in the middle. The running and impact of Naby Keita is hugely important to Leipzig, depending on him to create chances. The strike duo of Werner and Poulsen combine strength with pace. The most exciting is the fact that most Leipzig players are extremely young. Their zeal and enthusiasm are also what, very often, push Leipzig over the line. Even with all the hate they receive, Leipzig are the team to watch this season.

The Bundesliga season has been amazing thus far with surprises galore. Top teams like Dortmund and Bayern have had issues tactically while newcomers Leipzig have been on fire. It will be interesting to see how the season pans out.

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