News Focus
- Tom Bischof has played 38 matches in all competitions during his first season at Bayern Munich
- The 20-year-old has played as a full-back despite being a natural central midfielder
- Bischof has scored three Bundesliga goals, all from the left-back position
- Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title and Super Cup this season
- The German giants will face VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday
Young players often struggle when they join big clubs. Tom Bischof has had no such problems at Bayern Munich. The 20-year-old says he “felt right at home” immediately after his move from Hoffenheim.
Vincent Kompany has used Bischof in 38 games across all competitions this term. The German midfielder has become a valuable member of the squad. His success comes from his ability to play in different positions.
Bischof normally plays as a number six in the centre of midfield. However, Bayern suffered many injuries in defence this season. The youngster had to fill in at full-back on both sides. He had never played in defence before.
“I was seen as a number six,” Bischof told the DFL. “But then the full-backs got injured. There was always someone missing on the left or right. I was able to fill in. This gave me self-confidence.”
The versatile star has scored three goals in the Bundesliga. All of them came while playing at left-back. He scored twice against SC Freiburg in a comeback win. He also netted against 1. FC Köln on the final day. All three were long-range strikes from the edge of the box.
Bischof does not have the same speed as Alphonso Davies. However, his attacking threat from defence makes him dangerous. “On the ball, the full-backs play more as a number eight,” he said. “I still have the chance to get involved in attack. This suits my game.”
Bayern won the Bundesliga title with 89 points. They lost only one match all season. They also lifted the Super Cup. These are the first trophies of Bischof’s career.
The club lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals. The French side won 6-5 on aggregate. Bischof missed both games through injury.
Now Bayern face VfB Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal final on Saturday. Bischof respects the opposition. “Stuttgart play good football,” he said. “They are calm on the ball. They are in the final for a reason.”
Whether they win in Berlin or not, Bischof has enjoyed a fine first season. He arrived with only one full Bundesliga campaign at Hoffenheim. Now he is a key player for the German champions.
“I had never experienced a transfer like this,” he said. “I wondered if it would be easy or hard to settle. Luckily, it was very easy. The club helped me a lot. I simply enjoyed being on the pitch.”