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Bayern Munich's legendary Dutch forward, Arjen Robben, announced he would leave at the end of the current season. The Dutchman said, "I can say that this is my last year and it is good like that," (BBC). With Robben, 35, this will hardly have come as a surprise to Bayern. They will have been scouting his replacement for a while, and that's just as well, because he certainly won't be easy to replace.
Robben has scored 143 goals in 305 appearances, over 10 seasons in Bavaria. In that time he has won 7 Bundesliga titles, 4 DFB-Pokals, 5 DFL-Supercups and 1 UEFA Champions League, in which he scored the all-important winner in the final, as reported by ESPN Soccer. It will be almost impossible to find an exact like for like player, especially of the same calibre as Robben, but a wide forward who likes to cut in and has a good eye for goal will be the minimum criteria.
#1- Malcom
Malcom's struggles, at Barcelona, present an interesting opportunity for Bayern. Malcom has barely featured at Barca this season, but this is due more to Barca's strength up front, rather than a lack of ability. It was always going to be difficult for Malcom, with Messi, Dembélé and Coutinho all operating in similar roles. Even with his limited playing opportunities, Malcom has shown quality, scoring a great goal against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
Malcom had a very impressive final season at Bordeaux, scoring 12 league goals from the right wing (eurosport). The majority of these, powerful left-footed efforts. Malcom has already scored a number of long range left-footed shots, similar to the trademark finishes that have brought Robben so much fame.
Malcom had his choice of clubs last summer, eventually choosing Barcelona, having initially agreed to join Roma. He now, likely, regrets this decision, having only made 7 league appearances. With the Brazilian probably desperate to leave in the summer, Bayern could look for a cut-price move, turning Barca's loss into their gain.
#2- Nicolas Pépé
Nicolas Pépé has had a meteoric rise to stardom this season. The Ivory Coast international, has been linked with a host of top European clubs, most notably Bayern. Lille's current manager, Christophe Galtier has strongly hinted that Pépé could join Bayern this summer, saying, "I see him as good with a team that plays all in red and likes to put wingers on the side of their weaker foot." He then went on to compare Pépé to Robben ."He reminds me of Bayern’s two wingers. The younger Robben had this ability to eliminate players, cut inside and be clever in front of goal. Ribéry also had this ability", Galtier said.
Nicolas Pépé is currently second for combined goals and assists in Ligue 1, with 16 goals and 8 assists, for a combined total of 24. This impressive feat puts him second only to established superstar, Kylian Mbappé, who has 22 goals and 6 assists (BBC sport), but plays for a much stronger team. Pépé's accomplishment's are even more impressive, considering Lille's shocking 17th place finish, just 1 point above the relegation zone.
Pépé fits the Robben mould well, being a left-footed, right wing forward, with an eye for goal. His goal and assist output would surely only increase, playing in a stronger team.
#3- Florian Thauvin
Following a dire stint at Newcastle, Florian Thauvin has been nothing short of remarkable since joining Marseille. He managed only a single goal in 16 starts at Newcastle. In contrast, he's scored 59 in 140 games since rejoining Marseille. Last season in Ligue 1, Thauvin scored 22 league goals from the right wing (eurosport). He finished as second top scorer, behind only Edinson Cavani. This was seemingly no fluke either, as he's currently on 12 league goals, with 12 games to play.
Thauvin's success is not confined to his domestic league either, scoring 4 goals and leading Marseille to the Europa League final. Thauvin is an ideal long term replacement for Robben. He possesses blistering pace, and regularly cuts in off the right wing and shoots with his preferred left foot. Thauvin's unusually high goal output for a winger, will be essential in Robben's replacement.
