The Data That Highlights Kimmich’s Significance to Bayern Munich

Joshua Kimmich, one of the most sought-after talents in European football, has ended months of speculation by committing to a new long-term contract with Bayern Munich.

This summer marks a significant milestone as it celebrates the tenth year since Kimmich’s transfer from Stuttgart to the Bavarian outfit, with the 30-year-old now signed on until 2029.

The German international’s recent comments about a potential exit seemed to put an end to the swirling rumours surrounding his future.

“I can confirm that a new contract will be finalised in the coming days,” he told journalists, and on Thursday, the deal was officially completed.

Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting director, praised Kimmich after the announcement, stating: “He has truly embraced the FC Bayern ethos and exemplifies it both on and off the field. While others may settle, he finds new gears.”

The announcement is bound to disappoint a few interested clubs, including Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona, all of whom had shown significant interest in acquiring Kimmich over the past few months.

Clearly, Bayern are thrilled to have Kimmich’s commitment, especially following the recent contract renewals for Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala.

Currently earning €375,000 per week (Capology), it remains to be seen whether the club will elevate Kimmich’s pay to match their highest earner, Harry Kane, who takes home an impressive €480,769 weekly.

Given Kimmich’s pivotal role and the high demand for his skills, it’s hard to argue against adjusting his salary to reflect his vast experience and importance to the squad.

His remarkable versatility stands out; few players can transition seamlessly between right-back and defensive midfield like Kimmich.

He is known for his exceptional ball retention, serving as a significant asset for head coach Vincent Kompany.

The recent Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen showcased Kimmich’s influence, with a mere fraction of his passes going astray (illustrated by the red arrows in the graphic below).

Leading this season’s Champions League with the highest number of passes (1,049) and touches (1,251), Kimmich’s playmaking skills are unquestionable. His teammates clearly trust him to dictate the game’s tempo, making him an invaluable asset.

There’s a remarkable level of consistency in his performance that most players across Europe could only wish for.

Throughout his remarkable tenure at Bayern, Kimmich has recorded an astonishing 31,098 passes, with 28,093 of those being successful and 8,425 played forward, continually helping the team advance upfield at every chance.

In every season since joining Bayern, excluding his debut year (2015/16), Kimmich has participated in at least 27 Bundesliga matches, scoring at least once in all but that initial season at the club.

He also excels in set-pieces, netting 58 goals from dead-ball situations, including 13 from corner kicks. His tally of 106 assists from a defensive midfield position is remarkable.

Notably injury-prone, Kimmich rarely misses matches, having started in 384 of the 427 games he has played for Bayern thus far. This statistic undermines the argument that players are often ‘too fatigued’ to perform when form dips.

Despite his finesse, Kimmich is not afraid to tackle; he has made over 200 ball recoveries in five of the last eight seasons, including this one (with 141 recoveries so far).

By adding his impressive stats of 484 interceptions, 190 headed clearances, 361 additional clearances, and 662 tackles, one can begin to appreciate the all-around excellence of this exceptional talent.

Kimmich’s ambition to win is deeply embedded in his character, serving as a powerful motivator for both club and country.

Since joining Bayern, he has suffered just 34 losses in the German top division.

His impressive 73% win rate translates into an extraordinary 207 victories from 285 Bundesliga matches.

It’s no surprise that he’s one of Bayern’s most decorated players, amassing an impressive 20 titles, including eight Bundesliga championships, three DFB Pokals, and a UEFA Champions League title.

His leadership qualities have not gone unnoticed, earning him the prestigious role of captain for both Bayern and the German national team.

Despite the passage of time, Kimmich shows no signs of slowing down, and fans of Bayern will be thrilled to have him on board for several more seasons of his outstanding performances.

If fortune smiles upon him, he may well add both the Bundesliga and Champions League titles to his collection.

Currently, Bayern sits eight points clear in the Bundesliga and is set for a quarter-final clash with Inter Milan in Europe’s premier tournament, so you can be sure that Kimmich will be giving his all to capture both trophies.