Bavarian Football Works

Bayern Munich controlled their match against 1.FSV Mainz 05, but their dominance didn't translate into a win. Mainz capitalized on limited opportunities, securing a well-deserved draw against the home team. Here are the player awards from the match.

• Jersey Swap — Kacper Potulski**
• Mainz's 18-year-old defender deserves recognition for his outstanding performance. Potulski scored Mainz's opening goal and significantly limited Bayern to just two goals. His excellent positioning and marking skills were remarkable for his age. He made crucial blocks in front of the goal, preventing Bayern from scoring four or more goals. Harry Kane was largely kept in check by Potulski, except for one instance where Kane's experience allowed him to draw a penalty.

Potulski's goal came from a corner, where he evaded Bayern's defenders and headed the ball cleanly into Manuel Neuer's net. It was an amazing way to score his first Bundesliga goal, especially in Munich against Bayern and Neuer!

• Der Kaiser — Josip Stanišić**
• The Bayern defense had inconsistent moments against Mainz. Although they performed adequately overall, they faltered during crucial plays. Stanisic was caught off guard during Lee's goal, and Potulski scored his goal with a free run.

That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. Stanišić is recognized for his effectiveness at right-back. While he may not have Laimer's speed, he excels in that position. His connection with the attackers is notable. He once faked a backheel just outside the box, showcasing his skill. Stanišić won four duels, delivered 12 passes into the final third, and had a 95 percent pass rate, marking a strong return to RB after playing left-back for an extended period.

• Fußballgott— Joshua Kimmich**
• Joshua Kimmich continues to be a midfield force for Bayern. He controls the ball, handles pressure, dictates the tempo, and delivers precise passes. Kimmich is the obvious choice for Fußballgott. He created three chances and made 36 passes into the final third, demonstrating his ability to drive Bayern's attack.

• Der Bomber — Lennart Karl**
• Karl's powerful shot for Bayern's first goal was impressive. He converted Gnabry's pass to score. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. a missed shot that could have tied the game or won it for Bayern prevents Karl from being named Meister. The young Bavarian talent again showed promise in the number 10 position.

While Gnabry excels at connecting the attackers with excellent passes, Karl has a slightly different style. Lenny is adept at receiving passes in tight spaces. He consistently maintained possession when receiving the ball in and around the box. Mainz was unable to dispossess Karl, who had eight touches in the box.

Karl’s expected assists were 0.36 at CAM, while Gnabry’s were 0.87 despite playing at LM. This shows that Karl functions more as a second striker than a creator like Gnabry. Additionally, Karl's energy and work ethic are commendable, as he actively tries to win the ball back like Laimer. He is a great addition to Bayern's pressing game.

• Meister of the Match — Harry Kane**
• Harry Kane had a relatively quiet game. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he earns this award for his clutch performance. He saved Bayern's unbeaten record when it mattered most. After falling behind 1-2, the team put nearly every available attacker on the field. Despite Bayern's persistent pressure, they struggled to score. Mainz deserves credit for their defense, and Bayern's attackers made some poor decisions.

Harry Kane used his Premier League experience to skillfully draw a penalty against the young Potulski. Kacper Potulski kept close watch on Kane, holding his hand on the Bayern striker’s shoulder when a pass was played into the Mainz box. Kane sensed that the defender's grip wasn't strong enough to stop him, so he used another trick. He pivoted his weight around his shoulder and fell as he began his run. Because Potulski's hand was around his shoulder, the referee immediately called a penalty. It was a well-executed penalty draw, making the call unavoidable.

Kane converted the penalty perfectly, securing Bayern's undefeated status. For this decisive play, Kane is the MOTM. Also, Potulski blocked a blistering scissor kick from Kane that would have been a wonderful goal.

• Bonus Award — Best Hairstyle — Cornrow Gnabry**
• Serge Gnabry's cornrow hairstyle is stylish and clean from various angles. What do you think? Share your thoughts on the awards and your favorite hairstyle in the comments.

For more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, listen to the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor.

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