Harry Kane is one of the best goal-scorers on the planet. But he's also one of the best play-makers. In Game of Numbers #32, I break down why Kane has been such a perfect fit for Bayern, and why his playmaking influence should be a serious legacy of his career.
RB Leipzig might not go toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title this season, but they have every chance of contending for second place alongside the likes of Dortmund and Leverkusen. Their recruitment over the summer has proven to be spot on, with the central compactions across the pitch aiding their approach of quick attacking transitions and high-pressing from the front. Conceding just 4 goals in 5 matches, Leipzig have been much more than just a brilliant side to watch in attack, but a much improved side in defense to start the campaign.
Bayer Leverkusen have started the season hitting all the right notes, currently sitting top of the table ahead of their clash with Bayern Munich. Xabi Alonso's men have won all three of their games thus far, scoring 3.7 goals per game to start the campaign. Playing exciting, attractive football full of energy, pressing and close-connection possession, Xabi's team are destined for a big season in the Bundesliga. Here is our tactical analysis of Leverkusen so far in 2023-24.
Sébastien Haller has been one of the key difference makers to Borussia Dortmund in another title-chasing campaign for the Black & Yellows. They've been brilliant under Edin Terzic since the turn of the year, and some of that success has been down to the resurgence of cancer-free Sébastien Haller into the team.
Leipzig might have just decided the title race. Leading the charge for Die Roten Bullen was their midfield engine Konrad Laimer, who bossed the game against Bayern through his effervescent energy. Laimer never stopped running all game long, and played a massive part in the stunning victory. With that, here is Game of Numbers #20, with Konrad Laimer at the forefront.
Throughout the past five years, Eintracht Frankfurt have been partially responsible for the conveyor belt production of quality strikers like Sebastien Haller, André Silva, Luka Jović and Rafael Borré. The next heir to the throne is completely different to the goal-scoring poacher-like 'Target Men' previously deployed. In many ways, a departure was needed. Filip Kostic has left the scene to start pastures new at Juventus, and the team no longer have an out-and-out dynamic wing crossing threat delivering peaches into the box for the strikers to ripen. They have a new man leading their attack now, and that man happens to be more of a 'Creative Link' than a scorer of great goals. Here is our analysis of the wonderful Randal Kolo Muani in 2022-23 at Eintracht Frankfurt.
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