5 Bayern Munich players who significantly improved under Jupp Heynckes 

Matchday 6 of the UEFA Champions League 2017-18 saw Bayern Munich defeat PSG by three goals to one. The score, as straightforward as it seems, speaks volumes about the massive transformation the German side underwent since their heavy defeat to the Parisians. And rightfully, the whole credit for this mid-season renaissance goes to their new manager, Jupp Heynckes.

Among the various reasons cited for his predecessor, Carlos Ancelotti's failure at the beginning of Bayern's season was inefficient player management. Many of the players were delivering sub-par performances, and Ancelotti had no answer to their problems. Enter Jupp Heynckes with his cornucopia of solutions and the results were remarkable.

Not only did the team looked more organised under him, but also there was a surge in the individual output of players. Today we look at five such Bayern Munich players who have shown noteworthy development under Jupp Heynckes' guidance.

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#5 Thomas Muller

Muller was going through a rough patch under Ancelotti.

Reigning world champions Germany had a decent Euro 2016 campaign, where they lost in the semi-final against France. The tournament, however, was a big disappointment for Thomas Muller. After two European Championships, the German forward was yet to open his account.

Muller's gloomy form continued in the 2016-17 season as he rarely found the net. His tally of nine goals was the lowest he had ever had in an entire season since 2009. With the current season not starting any better, Bayern supporters all across the world craved for a miracle. They could no longer see their most cherished player suffer in agony.

Jupp Heynckes turned out to be the answer to their prayers. In his first three appearances under Heynckes, Muller scored one goal and assisted twice. Unfortunately, a muscle injury halted his progress. Back on the pitch again, things can only get better for Muller. Also with FIFA World Cup 2018 only months away, the talismanic German is highly likely to regain his form under Heynckes.

#4 Javi Martinez

Javi Martinez has moved back to the midfield under Heynckes

On Heynckes' return to the Allianz Arena, the first significant development that took place was the deployment of Javi Martinez in the midfield. The decision seemed surprising but reasonable.

Martinez had been playing as a centre-back for the past four years under Guardiola as well as Ancelloti. But it made sense because, ultimately, it was a tried and tested move. Martinez' midfield pairing with Schweinsteiger was a crucial part of Bayern's 2012-13 treble win. As the match progressed, it became clear that the move paid off.

Bayern's defence seemed much more composed due to the Spaniard's presence in front of them. Alongside making crucial interceptions and winning aerial duels, Martinez used his ball-playing skills to initiate attacks. His performances against RB Leipzig and Celtic proved that the midfield marshal was back at his best.

#3 Corentin Tolisso

Tolisso is thriving in a more attacking role.

Corentin Tolisso played a crucial role in Lyon's Ligue 1 and Europa League campaign last season, earning a spot in the team of the tournament for the latter. Like a modern-day number 8, Tolisso is well adept in all aspects of the game. But his 14 goals for Lyon last season indicate an inclination towards the attacking side.

When Bayern's record signing arrived in Munich, like any other manager, Ancelotti was keen to test him. Tolisso started in the first six official matches for Bayern. While he was doing sound defensively, his contribution to the attack was limited to a goal against Leverkusen (which also came from a corner).

Under Jupp's style of play, with a defensive midfielder like Martinez guarding behind, Tolisso got the opportunity to make some forward runs. His passing efficiency improved many-folds within the attacking third and viewers got to experience his positioning brilliance and precise finishing. Tolisso's brace against PSG was a reflection of his increased importance to the team.

#2 Kingsley Coman

Coman's productivity on the wings has increased

Kingsley Coman, runner-up for the 2015 Golden Boy, ended 2015-16 season on a high note for Bayern. The following season, however, turned out to be a nightmare for the youngster. With Ancelotti favouring experience over youth, Coman found it difficult entering the starting eleven.

The 2017-18 season started no different, but the problem was graver this time. Coman's movement on the wings became predictable, and his blistering speed came at the expense of his ball-control. The promising winger, considered the successor of his countrymate Frank Ribery, was now seen as a liability.

Under Jupp Heynckes, however, Coman became one of the most productive players in the Bavarian side. His current tally of six goals and four assists is double of what he contributed last season. Reasons for this upsurge could vary from tactical changes, increased playing time, or even lessons from the Heynckes (who himself was a legendary winger).

What's clear is that Coman's performances have more than justified his place in the team, with Jupp Heynckes himself saying:

"Every game he gives me a reason to start him the game after."

#1 Sven Ulreich

Ulreich has undergone a radical transformation since Heynckes' return.

The last three matches before Heynckes' arrival ended winless for Bayern Munich, as they conceded a total of seven goals. Not something you expect from a team like Munich and a goalkeeper like Neuer. But wait, it wasn't Neuer in front of goal. Instead, it was his back-up, Sven Ulreich.

A back-up for Manuel Neuer, that's what Ulreich's role was in Bayern. In such a star-studded squad, hardly anyone had any expectations from him. Ulreich's only Champion's League experience had been against Rostov and Dinamo Zagreb. But all of a sudden, he was supposed to stop attackers like Cavani, Mbappe and Neymar.

Expectedly, he faltered, giving away easy goals. Criticism arrived from all directions. In comes Jupp Heynckes with a small but much-needed reminder. A reminder of Maier, Pfaff, Kahn, Neuer and the great lineage of goalkeepers he was part of. A reminder that he represented a club that believed in facing problems rather than running away from them.

With a sudden burst of confidence, Ulreich started making crucial saves, performed better one-on-one and even won his team a penalty-shootout against RB Leipzig. His drastic transformation was validated by his composure against PSG's holy trinity in the return fixture. Deservingly, he was voted as the Fan's Player of the Month, ahead of Joshua Kimmich and Javi Martinez.