Before the start of the season, Noussair Mazraoui was repeatedly called FC Bayern’s “most important transfer” in this transfer window. But in yesterday’s away game in Bochum, the Moroccan came on once more late in the 67th minute with the score being 5-0 without being able to set any new playful accents. According to current media reports, the right-back is viewed critically within FCB.
With Noussair Mazraoui, FC Bayern was finally able to sign a dynamic right-back who, in addition to his defensive duties, can also contribute more to Munich’s offensive game. The expectations of the Moroccan were very high right from the start and so those responsible at the German record champions hoped to have finally found the right playful “counterpart” to left-back Alphonso Davies. But so far the attacking right-back has not been able to convince.
Mazraoui has tactical flaws
Mazraoui was the first of five newcomers signed by the German record champions this summer. During his time at Ajax Amsterdam, the defender presented himself as a very dynamic rail player who, despite his defensive position, always played a strong role in the offensive game. The seeded regular played nine goals in 35 appearances at Ajax in all competitions last season. However, those responsible at Säbener Straße miss these “all-rounder” qualities from Mazraoui, who has only played 44 Bundesliga minutes in three games played so far.
According to the “kicker”, the first critics can already be heard in the club, accusing Mazraoui of deficits in “defensive awareness”. In addition, the right-back should not yet show the necessary “commitment and assertiveness” in the training of the German record champions.
In addition to the alleged lack of play, Mazraoui probably has to get used to the high quality of training on the one hand, but also to the strong competition in Munich on the other.
Strong performances from competitor Pavard
In addition to Mazraoui’s mixed start in the FC Bayern jersey, Benjamin Pavard is currently in impressive form. Pavard was able to match the number of goals he had played in the previous season in the first four competitive games in the young season. Pavard presented himself much more offensively happy and is therefore increasingly looking for the train to the opposing goal.
Pavard, who was also linked with an early departure from Munich this summer, has benefited from the increased competition in Munich so far. Even if the Frenchman is playing well at the moment, his offensive qualities are limited. For example, the trained central defender has speed deficits, which is particularly important in offensive situations. This might be a chance for the attacking Mazraoui to challenge Pavard for his regular place.
Mazraoui still needs time
Trainer Julian Nagelsmann recently emphasized that the two newcomers Noussair Mazraoui and Ryan Gravenberch are given the necessary time to settle in: “Ryan and Nouz need time. This is quite normal and I give them the necessary time. The first responsibility is mine to give them that time that they are at 100 percent. If they aren’t there, I have a duty to get them there and then I will use them.”
Mazraoui’s playful “counterpart” on left-back Alphonso Davies also needed the necessary time in his early days in Munich to impose himself on the starting XI formation. At that time there were also doubts regarding the playing quality of the Canadian with the first training impressions. In terms of Davies’ development, the slightly longer adjustment period doesn’t seem to have done him any harm.
