Bayern Youth - Post Van Gaal Era

[VDV]

Bayern's Youth Team

Well most people would say Bayern's youth is not great, some argue even bad for youngsters and don't give them chances in the past. Now that Van Gaal is here, one of the best youth coaches of the past 2 decades is here, it seems a bit different. He's the same coach that helped Xavi and Iniesta be who they are today, he's the same coach Guardiola claims he really learned his coaching methods from.

Now lets talk about the present. Before this season, we had Lahm and Schweini both Germans that started for Bayern in our youth system. We also had Breno (20) and Ottl (24) on the bench, one with talent but not ready to start. We also had Gorlitz and Lell as youth players in our team but they are horrible, simple as they are nowhere good enough to play for Munich. We also have 2 back-up keepers from our youth system, but I doubt either will start next season and Rensing is on his way out this season. Kroos is also a player that is already in loan that comes back from Leverkusen at the end of the season.

This season vGaal has decided to loan both Ottl and Breno, so they can get better with game time (especially Breno that needs it) and to slim down the squad. At least one of Lell or Gorlitz will also leave in the winter transfer period, but neither of these two players any Bayern fan atm would proud of having in the team. He's also brought Muller and Badstuber out of nowhere and they have both become starters this season, as well as very important to the team.
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Now to the trip to Dubai, he has decided to bring Alaba (17), Ekici (19) and Contento (19) and most likely one or two will be promoted to the senior team in the winter time. Now personally, I am not sure about Alaba if it is too early since the kid just turned 17 a few months ago I believe. He is also supposed to be the most hyped talent in years from our youth team, but I will wait it out and rate his development in a bit.

[Van Der Vaart 23]

There's no better manager for developping young talent than v.Gaal. I'm sure more talent will break through as long as v.Gaal is there.

[Red_ef]

i hope kroos will be given a starting spot next season

[Johnnyboy]

Bayern youth is not great??? If I were Secco I would give you Buffon in exchange of Muller, Badstuber and Kroos.

[Red_ef]

Originally Posted by agiusjoni

Bayern youth is not great??? If I were Secco I would give you Buffon in exchange of Muller, Badstuber and Kroos.

its not that its not great, but lately youngsters have found it hard to play for Bayern...Kroos, podolski, schlaudraff, breno...but things seem to have become better under van gaal and long may it continue.

[VDV]

Originally Posted by agiusjoni

Bayern youth is not great??? If I were Secco I would give you Buffon in exchange of Muller, Badstuber and Kroos.

It's more of the past few years, where young players come to Bayern and then leave. While I agree that Bayern should have gave some of these players more of a chance, I don't think Bayern really did as bad as people make it. All the players that have left Bayern bar Misimovic never made it elswhere which shows Bayern were mostly right in letting them go and explains why they didn't get as much game time at Bayern.

With Van Gaal, things are different because he gives young players chances and a lot of confidence. Also this new use of loaning potential good players (imo all to Nerlinger, the new manager who likes working with youth) will help us because Kroos seems to be benefiting a LOT and Breno I think will benefit hopefully as well.

Either way, I want to see what the Alaba kid can do. He is hyped a lot from Bayern fans and a lot of people rate him. He also is the youngest ever to be called for the national team, so he must have done something right.

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Kroos should come and start with Bayern no doubt, but I fear maybe vGaal would want to see Muller improve and not let Kroos get in the way of it. It's a possible option, though I'm obviously hoping that isn't the case come summer time and Kroos comes to Bayern.

I'm pretty confident at least one of the 3 kids will get a professional contract during their time in Dubai. I obviously see Ekici getting it (another Muller imo) and one of the two kids depending which one impresses the most.

What's clear is that Van Gaal is changing the Bayern system and the way we play exactly the same as Barcelona. He prefers the 4-3-3 (but can play 4-4-2 as well), is all about posession football, wants attacking football and is all about youth.

[Redhat]

where would Kroos play say he comes back today, whos he gonna replace in the starting 11 if everyone is healthy?

im a big fan of Muller as ive said before on here, but i think Badstuber is the real gem because centrebacks are much harder to develop and hes absolute dynamite. so calm on the ball, gets the ball out from the back well, ive seen him lose one-on-ones a few times, but it doesnt matter, hes young and is gonna be a star in the future.

and Breno is a lost cause i reckon, hes just not that good but who knows maybe in a few years something might happen.

[VDV]

I think Breno is more of a player if he makes in a few years literally. He's only 19-20 years old, lots of CBs take a while before turning into the players we belive in. Anyways, he's wait in the future type of player.

What I like about Badstuber is the fact that he's really good at set pieces and can score off free kicks. Not many CBs are really assigned as either #1 or #2 set piece/ FK taker of the team. He still has to improve. I know what you mean though, he excites me as well.

Muller has a lot to improve, but honestly his positioning and finishing is by far one of the best around his age group in the world imo. Some goals this season are seen a pure natural goalscoring instinct, not something you teach. Once Kroos is back, I think he might go to the bench. Muller's original position is striker in the whole, in a 4-4-2 though he can play AM, RM/RW and LM/LW because of his versatility, though he's better on the right side of the wing.

Since Kroos is off to Leverkusen, he's scored some nice goals. Here are currently his 10 best goals which is pretty f#cking awesome considering he's only 19!

[YGeorgey]

Kroos should bench anyone. He is that good! An absolutely fantastic player, who has a wonderful future.

If Van Gaal wants to play 4-3-3, then both Kroos and Muller will find a lot of playing time IMO.

Robben----Gomez----Muller
----Kroos---------Schweini
-----------?????

or
-----------Gomez
Robben----Kroos-----Muller

Neither of Muller or Kroos deserves to be benched next season, after the seasons they are having right now. They both have amazing potential.

[Scholesy18]

Yeh i'm a fan of Kroos. Vdv, why do have some sort of search for an attacking mid in your sig? Hamsik, Ozil, Gourcuff. You already have a class player in Kroos Imo Kroos and Ozil have around the same potential.

[VDV]

Hamsik can play CM, and Schweinsteiger can play DM as long as the CM can help in defense. Ozil can play LW if Ribery leaves, though Mata is my #1 preferred player. Gourcuff is more in case Kroos doesn't come back. I like Hamsik tbh, Ozil because he's German and has only 1 year left after this summer, so we can get him on the cheap; Gourcuff if we could get him for a solid price and if he could be used to convince Ribery to stay since they're both French and Ribery has spoken well for him in the past.

[Scholesy18]

How likely is it Kroos gets a chance next year though? That's more what i meant. Cause with such targets, i just assumed Kroos would be getting sold off.

Though all 3 of those are great targets imo. I'm a big fan of all 3, but i imagine Hamsik and Ozil would fit in better for us than Gourcuff, who really needs a team built around him.

[VDV]

There are too many variations at the moment and a lot of different things can happen. The most likeliest scenario is him starting in the 4-3-3, with Muller playing a depth role on all positions while Ribery/his replacement play on the left and Robben on the right. We might go for Ozil, we might let Muller take on the position, we might go for another youth player or Elia, Mata, and a few other names being thrown at the moment.

Too much is going on, and I also wrote my signature before Kroos turned from a bench player that couldn't start over average players like Vidal to Leverkusen's most important midfielder in the space of 2 months and a half. Kroos was almost non-existant last 2nd half of the season with Leverkusen, started similar this season and with more injuries of other players, he's taken his chances and turned into their leaders at the moment. He developed way too quickly in these recent months, he also changed his attitude and is working harder because he started to believe the hype a while back and wasn't giving it his all.

All I know is if he keeps his form and improves his consistency of playing great for full 90 minutes rather than just 1 half the entire 2nd half of the season, I don't see how he could NOT start for us or any club in Germany tbh.

[VDV]

Diego Contento, our 19 year old youth player has officially signed a professional contract until June 2011. He can play LB or CB, he's been raised through the youth teams since he was a kid. He is German though has Italian roots so if he makes it, we don't know yet which country he would play for.

http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/new...4647474c3c3675

Hope you impress Contento

He will probably be 4th choice with Tymoschuk as a CB, probably play LCB after Badstuber I assume. Since he's originally a LB, he can also play after Braafheid and Badstuber in that position.

[VDV]

Goal.com Scouting Report: David Alaba - Bayern Munich & Austria

Goal.com introduces Bayern Munich's future superstar and Austrian international David Alaba...


By Stefan Coerts

Jan 23, 2010 12:52:00 PM

Name: David Alaba
Age: 17
Nationality: Austrian
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Midfield


After Holger Badstuber and Thomas Mueller, German powerhouse Bayern Munich have yet another future superstar in the ranks of their illustrious youth academy with David Alaba. However, it is an Austrian youngster instead of a German starlet this time around. Alaba has already made his debut for Austria's national side and trains with Bayern Munich's senior side, despite his age of only 17. It appears to be only a matter of time before the midfielder makes his official debut for FC Hollywood.

Alaba started his footballing career at SV Aspern, where his huge potential was quickly recognized. The son of a Filipino mother and Nigerian father then joined the ranks of the Austria Wien youth academy. Alaba did not waste any time in adapting to his new surroundings and was promoted to the reserve team shortly after his arrival.

On 18 April 2008, Alaba made his debut for the Austria Wien reserves and immediately entered the record books as the youngest player ever in the Austrian 2. Bundesliga. He also came close to breaking the record for youngest player in the 1. Bundesliga, but his coach opted to keep him on the bench for the full 90 minutes. There was little doubt about it that Alaba's future did not lie in Austria, as the interest of top European clubs was growing and growing.

The wonderkid opted to join Bayern Munich and his meteoric rise only continued after joining the Bavarians. Alaba was initially meant to play at the under-17 team, but he proved to be way ahead of his team-mates and was therefore promoted to the under-19 squad. The youngster was tipped for stardom by reserves coach Hermann Gerland and was promoted to the reserves (Bayern Munich amateurs) halfway through this season.

In January, Alaba travelled to Dubai for a training camp with Bayern's senior team and the Austrian midfielder once again moved closer to the eventual target of making his Bundesliga debut. He impressed during the training camp and was rewarded for his good performances with a permanent place in Bayern's first team squad.

Bayern are extremely satisfied with the development of the young midfielder and the Bavarians have made it clear that they will offer a professional contract as soon as he turns 18.

"David will train with the first team for the remainder of the season. Everything has been going very smooth for him so far, but the most difficult time has yet to come. It will be interesting to see how he deals with eventual setbacks," said Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger.


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He is supposedly more talented than anyone in our youth system, perhaps besides Toni Kroos. We have to wait to give him a professional 4 year contract until he turns 18, so now he has to help the reserve team fight out of relegation. Losing Badstuber and especially Muller to their team has definitely hurt them this season. He could very well be Schweinsteiger partner as CM with Kroos/Muller as AM in the 4-3-3 formation. Our whole midfield basically could be a youth team in 2-3 years.

[VDV]

Rummenige confirms Kroos is coming back to Bayern next season. He said he talked with Van Gaal and both of them want him here as soon as possible. There never was a doubt in my mind Kroos would come back, but at least it's now been confirmed.

[Red_ef]

where do you reckon he'll play? in a 4-3-3 maybe? would love to see him-DM-Bastian in midfield

[VDV]

The most logical formation is a 4-3-3:

----x-----x-----x---
--------Kroos-------
---Schwein---x-----

There is a also a good chance of a 4-4-2 as a CM with Schweini like Pranjic played in the 5-2 demolition of Hertha 1 month ago. Pranjic was nothing special defensively, I think Kroos is already near his level, though not quite as good as Pranjic. We could play 4-4-2 in most Bundesliga home matches except against very strong attack-oriented teams like Bremen, Leverkusen and Co. We could also use the 4-4-2 with Kroos when we play away from home vs teams who always defend against us.

It depends on Kroos. If he can play like Xavi does for Barcelona, good at holding the ball and never losing posession as well as stay behind a couple of times to help Schwieni defend, we could play Barcelona's very attack-minded formation:

-----------x-----------
---x---------------x---
---------Muller--------
---Schwein--Kroos---

Obviously this is the most attack-minded formation we could play, it relies in Kroos becoming a bit better defensively and gaining a bit of muscle. He's already a big guy, but he has to get tougher.

Schweini has been our "DM" basically in the 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 these last few games, he can handle it. He needs a CM who also helps him defensively or there will be too much pressure on him. If Kroos can make big strides in improving his defensive qualities, they could play such a formation. If not, than Schweini with CM and Kroos/Muller as AM will be our formation next season in a 4-3-3.

[VDV]

Ekici (19) has just signed a professinal contract with Bayern until June, 2011. He's basically a very similar player to Muller and can play AM as his main position. He will play with Bayern II for most of the season. I'd prefer him to get loaned out at the end of the season tbh since Kroos will be coming and it will be very tough to get so many players game time. Plus Muller, Ekici and Kroos can all play AM.

[VDV]

Youth Players debuts in DFB Quarter-Final

Alaba (17) and Contento (19) both make their first senior appearance against Furth in the 6-2 win DFB quarter-final match!

Van Gaal discussed his decision after a match Bayern went on to win 6-2: “The substitutions were one of the reasons we won.” Apart from Altintop, who came on after 73 minutes, he was particularly referring to Contento and Alaba. The pair took to the turf after 59 minutes – Arjen Robben levelled from the spot as they stood on the touchline waiting to be introduced – and immediately added new impetus to their team’s efforts.

Alaba took up station in central midfield and laid on a goal with his first touch of the ball. After energetically recovering a loose ball 20 yards from goal, he teed up Franck Ribéry to make it 3-2. “I basically toe-poked the ball to Ribéry and he scored,” the 17-year-old deadpanned afterwards.

Alaba the record breaker

Alaba is already well-known to FCB fans. The Austrian made his senior international debut last autumn, and set a record in the process as his country’s youngest-ever player. He has now repeated the feat with Bayern: Alaba is the youngest player ever to represent Munich in a competitive fixture. At 17 years, 7 months and 18 days, he is around a month younger than Toni Kroos on his Bundesliga debut.

Alaba was surprised to find himself in the matchday squad for Fürth. “I stepped in because Olic was taken ill,” he revealed. He was even more stunned to find himself on the field. “Obviously, you mentally gear up for a possible appearance, but I wasn’t counting on it today,” he admitted, “it was terrific. I just went out there and played.”

Contento fresh from signing

The senior pros were impressed. “He’s skilled and dynamic,” said Philipp Lahm. The Germany international was equally effusive about fellow full-back Contento: “His strengths are his movement and agility.” The 19-year-old, who signed professional forms a month ago, gave a flawless display at left-back after coming on, and frequently added his weight to attacking moves as well. “Both showed they’re good enough to compete at this level,” said Lahm.

Contento and Alaba have settled to the pros’ training routines too. “They work hard, play a full part and train brilliantly,” reported Holger Badstuber. However, the pair will continue to feature in the third division with the FCB reserves. “It’s very hard to deliver fully for the reserves when you’re also training with the pros,” remarked Badstuber, drawing on personal experience, “but that’s exactly what you have to do. When you turn out for the reserves, you have to demonstrate you’re in the senior squad by rights.”

Maintain the momentum

Contento and Alaba know how difficult it is to break into the first team at Bayern. “I’m a long way from that,” said Alaba, “I have to keep working hard.” The pair may be handed more chances with the seniors. “If I need them, I’ll field them,” announced Van Gaal. For now, Contento and Alaba can just be delighted with their successful debuts. “It’s a massive feeling,” reported Lahm, who made his maiden appearance seven years ago. “If I were you, I’d ask them how they slept.”

http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/new...1c22aedf567c9d

Alaba is officially the youngest player ever for Bayern to play in a senior match! Kroos was the youngest ever 2 seasons ago, but Alaba is a month younger than Kroos was at the time. Well done Alaba, there is a lot of hype going around for this kid. He also got the assist for the 3-2 that Ribery scored.

[VDV]

Alaba played his first Bundesliga game for about 20-30 minutes today as a LB, Contento getting injured during the game. Offensively quite good, defensively rather suspect to mistakes imo. He's more of a LCM/ LM from what I can see, not really a full-back but perhaps can play there under certain circumstances.

Congrats to our 17 year old wonder! Schweini (purposely) got a 2nd yellow in the match vs Koln, that means that either Tymoschuk or Alaba will play as a LCM with Van Bommel next week vs Freigburg. Considering we are playing at home, they will defend so there is no point in playing Tymoschuk. I hope Alaba gets his first start in the Bundesliga and impresses.

Ribery also went and gave him a hug when he scored the winning goal vs Hamburg last week, so he seems well liked by the super stars.

[VDV]

Alaba's Champions League Debut

Alaba became Bayern's youngest player ever to play both Bundesliga last week and Champions League this year. He also impressed me a lot vs Fiorentina, but he needs to improve in a few areas. At 17, I can hardly blame him and you can tell his fitness is nowhere near the professional level as he started to get really tired vs Fiorentina in the last 30 minutes.

He will probably start his first Bundesliga match this Saturday vs Freiburg and play LCM. Schweinsteiger got his 5th yellow on purpose last weekend.

[VDV]

Toni Kroos Confirmed back to Munich

It is confirmed Kroos will definitely come back to Bayern. Van Gaal likes him, he wants him back. We all know Uli, Nerlinger and Rummenige all have liked what they have seen in him.

LvG sees him only in the middle, he says he's no left-midfielder. He sees him as a classical #10. Basically common sense, I have no idea why he was ever used as a LM in Leverkusen when he was their best midfielder, he should have been used in his best position. Poor coaching.

Welcome back Kroos!!!

[Redhat]

muller or olic to the bench?

kroos, schweini, mvb in the middle.

robben, ribery, gomez upfront.

or if ribery goes leaves a space for muller i guess.

[FCBM Chris]

Fvck Muller.