Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has averaged just 17 league appearances in the last three seasons.
Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery could start the new season in fantastic form with how well he performed in Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Manchester City.
Bayern and Man City took part in a pre-season friendly at the Allianz Arena, and the injury-prone Frenchman impressed his new manager Carlo Ancelotti to remind the coach and supporters of his ability in his final year at the club.
Injuries taken their toll on Ribery’s career
Since 2012, Bayern Munich supporters have hard seen Franck Ribery in the German Bundesliga. The 33-year-old has struggled with injuries for a number of years, averaging just 17 league appearances in the last three seasons, and recovery has become even more difficult with Ribery’s advancing age.
Last season, the former French international amassed less than 700 minutes of playing time in the domestic league for Bayern, and it’s led to his stock greatly diminishing. Known for his pace, individual skill and ability to score and create chances, Ribery was a key influence in the side in the past, but Bayern have been forced to buy replacements as his fitness record can’t be trusted.
The veteran winger has been fit for around five months, however, and hasn’t had any distractions with international football due to his resignation from the France national team. As a result, this summer has seen him afforded a good rest from playing and Ribery has returned in good condition to get the new season off to a strong start.
Performance against Man City is food for thought for Ancelotti
Franck Ribery will have certainly silenced many critics with his performance in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City. Both sides were much-changed for the pre-season friendly, but the Frenchman still showed moments of brilliance with his quick feet and outstanding dribbling ability.
At his best, Ribery is capable of working an opening with very little space to operate, and he was running Man City’s defence ragged with his constant running. While struggling for match-fitness, in short bursts the Bayern man was creating chances from the wide areas before Ancelotti afforded him a rest in the second-half.
Bayern Munich have the likes of Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman as competition in Ribery’s role of the left flank, but his showing this week will give Ancelotti a selection headache in attack. Bayern Munich are 1/6 to win the German Bundesliga title this season. Will Franck Ribery play a key role in their success?
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