Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting was the surprise of the last two competitive games at Bayern. The Cameroonian was in the starting eleven for the first time this season against SC Freiburg and knew how to convince. That’s why Julian Nagelsmann brought the 33-year-old into the DFB Cup at FC Augsburg from the start and he was promptly voted man of the match. But now the question arises: starting eleven or bench?
Three goals and two assists: these are Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting’s outstanding statistics in the last two competitive games for Bayern Munich. Due to a few absentees, the Cameroonian moved into the starting eleven against SC Freiburg and knew how to convince straight away. “We’re going to let Choupo play a bit now. He’s doing very well,” said sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic in praise of the 33-year-old after the 5-2 cup win at FC Augsburg.
It should therefore be clear that the center forward will also be in the starting XI at TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday. Or maybe not? “He was away from me for four months last year. Africa Cup, Corona, injury. He hardly trained. In general, he always has the quality to be a starter, but it’s also important to get more from the bench. That can also be a compliment to come off the bench,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann at the press conference before the reunion with his former club.
But what makes the Cameroonian so special and so valuable for the German record champions? “He’s not a classic nine, but one who plays a lot and saves balls. He’s just a gifted footballer. Before that, we had a variety of positions. You can also play him in the air. But he’s different from Lewy, he’s more of a ten who can also play up front. I’m glad I have him and that he’s performing so well,” praises Bayern coach Choupo-Moting, adding: “He’s very ambitious and sets the bar in the height. He’s trying to get that from game to game. If he’s fit, he’ll do that again tomorrow.” The only question is whether it came straight from the start or from the bank.
This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Where to put Choupo-Moting? Bayern coach Nagelsmann published undecided.
