(Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)
Alright, so with the Bundesliga season nearing its end and Bayern's elimination from the Champions League, it seems to be a good time to evaluate the current players on the Bavarian squad.
The key to the summer transfer window will be keeping Frenchman Frank Ribery. He is the engine of Bayern.
However, Bayern must find pieces to surround Ribery to create a more deep and balanced team.
Manager Jurgen Klinsmann plays quite an attacking style, a departure from the score one and play defense style from his predecessors.
Goalkeepers
Michael Rensing was unspectacular as legend Oli Kahn's replacement. He had big shoes to fill, but he didn't do a horrible job. He is still young and learning. Rensing should improve and be an above average keeper in the Bundesliga.
Hans Butt is a decent veteran backup who can still push Rensing for time, as he has this year. Bayern would be wise to keep him aboard to keep a stable environment for the young Rensing.
Defenders
Philip Lahm is one of the best left backs in the world, especially with his attacking skills.
Masssimo Oddo was brought in on loan, and has made little impact at his left back spot. Hopefully he returns to Italy.
Unfortunately, solid Frenchman Willy Sagnol had to retire due to injury this year. This led to Chrisitian Lell playing out of position at right back. His lack of familiarity with the position has, at times, been painfully obvious.
A long term solution must be found to resolve this position.
At center defense, Bayern has good options in veterans Lucio, van Buyten, and Demichellis, although the Argentinian has been very out of form this year. The young Brazilian Breno has played as of late, and his lack of experience has shown. Hopefully he will learn from this and be a solid player next year. I do not doubt Breno's potential, but as of right now, he is a shaky defender.
Center Midfield
Mark van Bommel is one of the worst captains in Bayern history. He is an aggressive tackler, but he gives little in attack. This is not due to his skill, which is solid but not spectacular, but seems to be more attributed to his lack of commitment to join the attack. He seemingly is standing with the back four for most matches.
Ze Roberto is still a good player, but he is aging and is out of contract at the end of the year. Hopefully he re-signs, because he is a good leader in the midfield.
Bayern does have promising youngster Toni Kroos returning from a loan spell at Leverkusen for next season, as well as Borussia M'bach transferee Alexander Baumjohann. Both players should get minutes next season as it seems Bayern is not willing to spend much money this summer.
Anitoliy Tymoschuk is coming! The Zenit captain should do wonders for stabilizing Bayern's midfield. He is a good tackler and a good option in supporting the attack. Hopefully this transfer pays off, and I think it will.
Wingers
Obviously, Frank Ribery is the man for Bayern. Not much to say other than they better hope they can keep him.
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