The Rise of Joshua Kimmich: From Midfield Maestro to Defensive Dynamo
Joshua Kimmich is arguably one of the best football players in the world right now. The 26-year-old German footballer has had an incredible rise since he started playing professionally, from midfield maestro to defensive dynamo.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the career of Joshua Kimmich, his journey, and his contributions to the beautiful game.
From Midfield to Defence: Kimmich’s Beginnings
Kimmich started his footballing journey very young, joining the VfB Stuttgart youth academy at the age of six. But it was at RB Leipzig that he made a name for himself as a midfield maestro. He was strong on the ball, had an eye for a pass, and wasn’t afraid to shoot from distance.
Kimmich’s performances at Leipzig caught the eye of Bayern Munich, and they bought him for €7 million in 2015. In his first season, he was used mainly as a backup player, but he still managed to score two goals in 23 appearances.
In the 2016-17 season, Kimmich was given more game time in midfield by the then-head coach, Carlo Ancelotti. He had a good season overall, contributing five goals and 19 assists in all competitions.
A New Position and a New Level of Excellence
The 2017-18 season proved to be a turning point for Kimmich. Bayern Munich’s head coach, Jupp Heynckes, decided to play him as a right-back due to his defensive qualities and work rate.
Kimmich took to the new position like a fish to water. He started to make marauding runs down the right wing and would come back to defend in his own half. His ability to time his tackles to perfection and his crossing accuracy made him a vital cog in the Bayern defence.
Since then, Kimmich has been a mainstay in the Bayern defence. He has played over 250 games for the club, scoring 28 goals and providing over 70 assists from the right-back position. He has also been a regular in the German national team, with 51 caps so far.
Kimmich’s Playing Style and Skills
Kimmich’s playing style relies heavily on his technical ability and tactical versatility. He can play in various positions, including right-back, defensive midfield, and central midfield. He has a good eye for a pass and can read the game well, making him an excellent player to have in the transition phase.
As a right-back, his over-lapping runs down the flank and his pinpoint crosses are a nightmare for opposition teams. He has a fantastic work ethic, never giving up on a lost cause. His tackling skills and ability to intercept the ball in dangerous areas make him a great defender.
How has Kimmich’s Rise Impacted his Career?
Kimmich’s rise from midfield to defence has been nothing less than spectacular. He has developed into a world-class defender and is regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world. He has won numerous trophies with Bayern Munich, including eight Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals, and the 2020 UEFA Champions League.
His contributions to the German national team have been outstanding as well. He was a key player in Germany’s 2018 World Cup campaign, which unfortunately ended in the group stage. He will be looking to make amends in the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament.
Kimmich’s rise has also impacted how managers view versatile players. Instead of having players stick to one position, managers are looking for players who can play multiple positions with ease. This has opened up new avenues for players who have the technical ability and tactical versatility to play in different positions.
FAQs
Q1: What position does Joshua Kimmich play?
A1: Joshua Kimmich is a right-back for Bayern Munich and the German national team.
Q2: How many times has Kimmich played for the German national team?
A2: Kimmich has played for Germany 51 times so far.
Q3: What clubs has Kimmich played for?
A3: Kimmich has played for VfB Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, and Bayern Munich.
Q4: What trophies has Kimmich won with Bayern Munich?
A4: Kimmich has won eight Bundesliga titles, two DFB-Pokals, and the 2020 UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich.
Q5: What is Kimmich’s playing style?
A5: Kimmich’s playing style relies heavily on his technical ability and tactical versatility.
Q6: How has Kimmich’s rise impacted football?
A6: Kimmich’s rise has impacted how managers view versatile players and has opened up new avenues for players who have the technical ability and tactical versatility to play in different positions.
Q7: Has Kimmich won any individual awards?
A7: Kimmich has won the German Footballer of the Year award in 2020.
Conclusion
Joshua Kimmich is a versatile football player who has become one of the best right-backs in the world. His rise from midfield to defence has been nothing short of spectacular. His technical ability, tactical versatility, and work ethic are qualities that make him a great player to have in any team.
Kimmich’s contribution to the game has impacted not only his career but also how managers view versatile players. He has won numerous trophies with Bayern Munich and is a vital player for the German national team.
Let’s celebrate Joshua Kimmich’s rise and hope he continues to entertain us with his skills and enthusiasm for the game.