Ismael Saibari is not coming to Bayern Munich expecting anything to be handed to him.
The Moroccan midfielder made it clear what his preferred position is when discussing his role under Vincent Kompany.
“My favorite position is at No. 10, everyone knows that. But as Vinnie said to me, I can play in different positions; so it doesn’t matter, you switch around so much during a game anyway. I can also play on the wings and in deeper positions,” Saibari (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
That versatility could be extremely important for Saibari at Bayern Munich.
The No. 10 position is where he feels most comfortable, but there is already plenty of competition. Jamal Musiala figures to be the primary player ahead of him there when healthy (at least for now), while Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl can also compete for minutes in that attacking midfield role.
Saibari could therefore find himself moving around the attack to get onto the pitch. His ability to operate on the wings or in deeper midfield positions gives Kompany additional flexibility and could help him find opportunities even when Musiala is available.
There is another potential role worth watching, too — backup striker.
With Harry Kane firmly established as Bayern Munich’s No. 9, Saibari could provide another option behind him when the situation calls for it, particularly if Kompany wants a more mobile attacking profile.
For Saibari, the message seems clear, do not become fixated on one position.
If he can prove that he can contribute across the front line and in midfield, his versatility could ultimately be the key to earning consistent minutes at Bayern Munich.
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