Kimmich: I would happily play as goalkeeper

Versatile Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich will happily play wherever he is needed, even if that means playing as a goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old rose to prominence as a holding midfielder but has also featured at right-back and centre-back at Bayern and with Germany.

Kimmich previously stated he prefers to play in the middle of the pitch, though if it means he makes the starting XI he will gladly take up another position.

“The most important matter for me is not where I play, but that I play,” Kimmich, who scored an acrobatic late equaliser in Germany’s 1-1 friendly draw against Denmark last week and set up three goals in the 7-0 thumping of San Marino on Saturday, told Kicker.

“When I have to make a choice between playing and watching on from the sidelines, I always pick playing. I would happily play as goalkeeper, striker or winger, as long as I play. I would prefer any position over watching on from the bench.

“Both at Bayern and the national team, there are players who have been around a bit longer and have immense quality. There is always a risk that you do not get as much playing time as you would like.”

Kimmich made 40 appearances in all competitions for Bayern in 2016-17, scoring nine goals.

He is part of the Germany squad for the upcoming Confederations Cup, with the world champions taking on Australia in their tournament opener on June 19.