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Another season and the same old story continues at Bayern Munich: the Bavarians are atop the Bundesliga table.
Although a new boss (Julian Nagelsmann) is at the helm, the German top flight will probably see the same winners this season. Bayern have slipped just twice in their 14 league games, losing 2-1 to both Augsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Nagelsmann has mostly fielded a fixed starting eleven with minimal changes, with Joshua Khimmich being the most notable absentee after contracting COVID-19. Over the years, Bayern Munich have avoided making unnecessary changes to their squad, which has been their biggest strength.
Bayern Munich have a penchant of recruiting the best and nurturing them
The team looks different to what it was a few years ago, with the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm and others departing. However, the new group has gelled up well, helping Bayern Munich win a second European treble in 2020.
Speaking of chemistry, the team has a good combination of selfless players who love to lay assists. Even forwards don't mind setting up their teammates to score. On that note, here's a look at the five current Bayern Munich players who have bagged the most assists for the club:
Note: All stats are as per transfermarkt unless mentioned otherwise.
#5 Serge Gnabry - 37
Serge Gnabry has come a long way since he was deemed an average player in England. The German, who once played for Arsenal, is often spoken of with a tone of regret by the Gunners faithful who now know letting him go was a big mistake.
The right winger is the heir to former Bayern Munich talisman Arjen Robben, and it's safe that the Bavarians haven't missed the Dutchman, thanks to Gnabry. In 148 appearances, Gnabry has amassed 37 assists.
Since joining the German giants, he is yet to experience a trophyless campaign, having won three straight Bundesliga titles and two DFB Pokal trophies.
His pace and directness have been two of his biggest strengths. Gnabry has also been utilised on the left wing on multiple occasions, owing to his versatility.
Due to his reluctance to take a COVID-19 vaccine, Bayern Munich cut Gnabry's wages. However, it is now reported that contract talks should soon begin, considering his utility to the club.
#4 Kingsley Coman - 53
From one winger to another: if Gnabry has been winning trophies for three years, Kingsley Coman has claimed silverware every year in the last decade. A calf injury and a heart condition kept him out of action for a few games this season. But Coman has returned to Bayern Munich's starting lineup.
The France international will always be remembered for his Champions League-winning goal in the final against his former club PSG last year. His future at Bayern is reportedly uncertain. However, Coman has demonstrated his ability to the club by laying 53 assists.
He was signed by Bayern Munich for €21 million in 2017 from Juventus, and has made 215 appearances for the club. Coman has found it difficult to break into Didier Deschamps' France squad on a regular basis. But if he decides to leave Bayern Munich, he will not be short of suitors across Europe.
#3 Joshua Kimmich - 75
Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has been a mainstay at the club for a few years now.
The versatile player, who has played both as right-back and defensive midfielder, has racked up a lot of assists for the club. He has assisted 75 times in 279 games. Kimmich has enjoyed a great start to his 2021-22 campaign, scoring thrice and laying four assists.
He has been an undroppable player for Bayern Munich for a while. Under Julian Nagelsmann, he has started every game this campaign, and was substituted before the final whistle only twice.
The German is known for his intensity and aggression. His decision-making and playmaking abilities have often seen him take control of midfield and produce moments of magic. Kimmich has won 17 trophies with Bayern Munich, which includes one Champions League title and six consecutive Bundesliga titles.
#2 Robert Lewandowski - 88
Robert Lewandowski might arguably be the best free transfer of all time in the history of the game.
For almost a decade now, he has single-handedly and consistently scored goals for Bayern Munich. But there's nothing new there. What's impressive, though, is that the Pole has also set up his colleagues to score on numerous occasions, demonstrating another facet of his game.
Lewandowski has assisted 88 times in his Bayern Munich career. In his first Bundesliga game for the Bavarians, he failed to score but provided an assist. The Poland international closely missed out on the 2021 Ballon d'Or, as Lionel Messi added a seventh to his bag. However, he did win the inaugural Striker of the Year award.
The Bayern Munich forward is off to another fabulous start, bagging 27 goals and four assists in just 21 games this season. Last season, Lewandowski (41) broke late German legend Gerd Muller's record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga campaign.
At 33, the Pole is showing no signs of slowing down just yet. He is hungrier than ever and wants more goals for himself and his teammates.
#1 Thomas Muller - 252
Thomas Muller is a Germany and Bayern Munich legend. He is renowned for being the Raumdeuter (interpreter of space), piling up an extraordinary number of goal contributions for the club.
In 604 appearances for the club so far, he has made a whopping 472 goal contributions. Nevertheless, he remains an underrated player. He has racked up a record 252 assists, including 22 this year, for Bayern, his boyhood club.
Muller's ability to roam around, find pockets of space to function in and ability to play the final ball is quite unmatched. Occupying the right areas on the pitch is no easy task, which shows Muller's exemplary anticipation and reading of the game.
At just 20, the Germany international won the Golden Boot at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and has not looked back since then. The two-time UEFA Champions League winner is also the highest scoring German in the tournament, having scored 49 goals, all for Bayern Munich.
