One to Watch: Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman

Pep Guardiola has made some brilliant signings during his tenure at Bayern Munich. But one who could prove to be the best is young attacking midfielder Kingsley Coman.

At the tender age of 19, he is already a full France international and has already played for three European giants; Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich. During these spells, he has won seven trophies, as well receiving a runners-up medal in last season’s Champions League.

But it’s been this year where one of Europe’s most highly-rated talents has really started to make more of a name for himself.

Joining initially on-loan from Juventus, Coman wasn’t expected to make an immediate impact at the Allianz, however he has settled in quickly and has produced performances his more illustrious and established team-mates would be proud of.

Here we take a closer look at the young Frenchman…

What position does he play?

Coman is a very pacy player, comfortable on either wing, though he has played in various positions throughout his career so far. A very skillful player, Coman has the ability to play in any attacking position. Very similar to Bayern team-mate Thomas Muller, Coman can play on either wing, attacking midfield or as a striker. Bayern’s recent injuries to wide players Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery gave Coman his chance in the first-team, where he and fellow new signing Douglas Costa have provided speed down the flanks. Their performances have received praise from Boss Pep Guardiola and Bayern’s fans this season, so much so that Robben and Ribery’s position in the starting eleven is no longer guaranteed.

When did he make a name for himself?

Coman first caught attention in 2004 when he was scouted by Paris Saint-Germain. He spent nine years in their youth academy before making his senior debut in February 2013 against Sochaux. This appearance made Coman the youngest player to play for PSG at the age of 16 years, 8 months and 4 days. It also earned him his major first trophy as a player as PSG finished as champions of Ligue 1. The forward only went on to make three league appearances for PSG but was part of a set-up which won five trophies during this period. Coman then signed a five-year deal at Juventus but spent just one season in Italy before joining Bayern Munich on a two-year £5.3 million loan, with a view to a £16m transfer. Three goals in 12 impressive games for the Bundesliga champions has resulted in the young forward earning a call-up to the France team, where he made his debut in November 2015.

Coman made his France debut in November 2015.

How far can he go?

There is no limit to what this exciting young Frenchman can do. Bayern have that option to buy Coman in 2017 for a price which, by that point, could be a bargain due to the amount of potential he has. There is no doubt in a couple of years, the forward will be an automatic starter in this Bayern team as well as the French National team. Playing for the German giants comes with plenty of demands and he seems to be handling them very maturely. His ambition as shown by his transfers, fits in perfectly with that of the club, and he expresses this with his exciting performances on the field.

What are his best attributes?

The teenager is a very pacy player but he also has shown that he can hold his ground and compete physically against the very best. He was very effective against Arsenal in the Champions League earlier in the season, playing down the left wing, and was able to run past the Gunners’ defenders with ease while also producing world-class crosses against top opposition. Coman has the skill to cut inside and create chances as well as the confidence to have a long-range shot; he scored a sublime goal against Chievo on his Juventus debut in August 2014.

What could hold him back?

At the moment, it looks like the only thing that could hold Coman back is the competition for places. However, he already looks to have overcome that barrier with his performances this season. With Guardiola leaving at the end of the campaign to be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, Coman could potentially fear for his place in the side. But with Robben and Ribery aging, plus his mature showings, the Italian coach knows he has what could potentially be an indispensable player on his hands.