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FC Bayern Munich: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

Bayern Munich's midfielder Joshua Kimmich (L) celebrates scoring with Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Hamburg SV and FC Bayern Munich in Hamburg, northern Germany, on September 24, 2016. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich's midfielder Joshua Kimmich (L) celebrates scoring with Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Hamburg SV and FC Bayern Munich in Hamburg, northern Germany, on September 24, 2016. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL / RESTRICTIONS: DURING MATCH TIME: DFL RULES TO LIMIT THE ONLINE USAGE TO 15 PICTURES PER MATCH AND FORBID IMAGE SEQUENCES TO SIMULATE VIDEO. == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE == FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT DFL DIRECTLY AT 49 69 650050 (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Muenchen, Deutschland, 21.09.2016, Bundesliga 4. Spieltag, FC Bayern Muenchen – Hertha BSC, Mats Hummels (FCB) (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Muenchen, Deutschland, 21.09.2016, Bundesliga 4. Spieltag, FC Bayern Muenchen – Hertha BSC, Mats Hummels (FCB) (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Hope #1: That Mats Hummels can solidify the defense.

For a major football power Bayern stayed relatively quiet during the summer transfer window. Perhaps it is due to Ancelotti wanting to get a better idea of what he has in stock or perhaps it is because Bayern felt content with what they had. No matter the case it was interesting to see Munich sit during the summer transfer window, making only two notable signings: Renato Sanches and Mats Hummels.

Of the two Hummels will provide the more immediate impact. That might come across as a knock to Sanches but considering how strong the Munich midfield is not as much is needed from him. There is also his age. At 19, his potential is tremendous and as evidenced by his play with Portugal during the Euros he is about ready to breakout.

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But make no mistake about it: Hummels is absolutely critical to the Munich defense. As a center-back Hummels will be tasked with containing some of the best center forwards in Europe and easing the pressure off of Manuel Neuer when necessary.

Hummels is one of the best center-backs in the world at closely marking attackers and building plays from the back. Having experience working with Neuer and Philip Lahm will prove critical especially during the business end of the Champions League.

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