Bayern Munich's greatest talent has the potential to fill the shoes of the retiring Philipp Lahm and then some. Joshua Kimmich will more than likely represent both Bayern and the German national team with as much, if not more, success than his predecessor.
In his storied career, Lahm has amassed an impressive trophy case with almost every accomplishment imaginable. He is a seven-time Bundesliga winner, a six-time German Cup winner, possesses a coveted Champions League title and, of course, the 2014 World Cup title.
Lahm has been ever-present in the Bayern first team since 2005. His retirement will be the end of an era, and it will be grieved by all Bayern supporters. But the blow of losing Lahm has been softened by the emergence of Kimmich, a 22-year-old capable of playing almost anywhere, just like Lahm.
Kimmich is already a star for the Bavarian club, having helped win last season's Bundesliga, German Cup and Supercup. In terms of style of play, Lahm and Kimmich are quite different but they also share some similarities. Lahm, in his younger days, used his speed to great advantage, streaking from the fullback position to get a shot on goal or to provide a deadly cross.
Kimmich will do the same thing but not to the same extent as Lahm. Often times, we can see Kimmich operating more subtly and from deeper. Kimmich also has a knack for scoring goals, having already bagged seven this season.
When @joshuakimmich scores a rocket like this in @fcbayernen training, there's only one way to celebrate. PILE ON! pic.twitter.com/i7yPQypXuZ
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) February 22, 2017
Kimmich carries himself with a style that is based on being composed and confident, a style that immediately endeared him to Pep Guardiola. You will see him easily escape from defenders, making it seem as though the game is moving in slow motion, and follow that up with a calculated pass to create an opportunity for Bayern.
Defensively, both of these players have a style that compliments their attacking skills as well. Both of them have the ability to make smart tackles and are hardly ever guilty of fouls, quickly getting the ball to a teammate for a quick counterattack.
Similar to Lahm, Kimmich shows exceptional mental composure on the defensive side of the ball. He takes time to calculate the smartest and most effective way to operate.
With all of this said, Lahm is a legend when it comes to German football and Kimmich is not yet anywhere near that level. However, Bayern Munich will be able to move on after Lahm with Kimmich, and that's exceptionally high praise.
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