Bayern Munich secured a historic treble yesterday by defeating PSG in the UEFA Champions League final. Hansi Flick took over a side that had just lost 5-1 to Frankfurt and what followed was nothing short of impressive. The German won 33 of his next 36 games including the last 21 in a row. As usual, Robert Lewandowski was at the forefront of things as he scored over 50 goals in a season where he would have been the clear Balon d’Or favourite had it not been cancelled. Muller has been in arguably his best-ever form since his emergence. Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng have both rolled back the years in recent games.
One thing all the aforementioned have in common is that they are now in their thirties and could be nearing the end of their playing days at the top. Not too far behind are Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba who are 29 and 28 respectively. However, Bayern should have a seamless transition when moving on from these guys because they have so many players aged 25 and below ready to pick up the mantle. Hansi Flick has fused together with a number of prodigious young talents with a smattering of veteran stars to create the continent’s undisputed best team.
Serge Gnabry has been of the world football’s best wingers this season. The ex-Arsenal man scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists for his side this past season. At just 25 years of age, he and Leroy Sane(aged 24) could form a devastating partnership reminiscent of the deadly combination of Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben that wowed the Allianz Arena for several years.
Joshua Kimmich has also been excellent for the Bavarians this season. The man dubbed as the “new Lahm” has definitely lived up to the name. Even at 25 years old, he already looks like a leader set to take charge in the coming years. France’s World-Cup winning duo of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard is also worth a mention. Both are still 24 and have big futures ahead of them. Finally, a man who has had as meteoric a rise as anyone. The 19-year-old has won the biggest prize in club football while starring in it. One thing for sure is Bayern won’t be dropping off from their high pedestal anytime soon.
