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When the Champions League is mentioned at the beginning of every season, Bayern Munich are almost always in the reckoning. However, the Germans have had a rather unconvincing start to their campaign. In the Supercup final against Borussia Dortmund, Carlo Ancelotti's men were able to clinch the title on penalties, following a pretty even tie that ended 2-2 in regular time.
The Bavarians won their first three games against Bayer Leverkusen, Werder Bremen and Kickers Offenbach in all competitions, before stumbling away to TSG Hoffenheim with a scoreline of 2-0. Was this defeat a mere coincidence, or does it signal a couple of problems that could go on to hunt the club throughout the season?
Here are five players who Bayern should have signed this past summer, in order to avoid any surprise results in the decisive stages.
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#5 - Danilo
Yes, Danilo. The Brazilian is by no means a direct addition to FC Bayern's starting lineup, but his versatility and ability to play as right-back, left-back, centre-back -- as displayed against Liverpool in the Premier League -- or even in midfield, make the Manchester City man a utility player which the Bavarians could have certainly banked on.
Danilo has, in fact, had a rather convincing start to life in England. In the Spanish league last season, the 26-year old averaged 3 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 2.3 clearances, the highest by any Real Madrid defender.
#4 - Julian Weigl
With Xabi Alonso's departure, FC Bayern are set to miss his valuable deep-lying play-making skills, which was essential in dictating play in order to win the midfield battle. While Corentin Tolisso is no doubt a remarkable talent, he is not exactly a direct replacement for the Spaniard.
It is rather the Dortmund midfielder who is more qualified to be Xabi's heir at the club. In the German league last season, Weigl averaged 68 passes per game with a pass success of 89.5%, alongside 2.2 tackles and 2.3 interceptions.
Add to that, the fact that Weigl is German, and the future of the national team. Bayern have historically always loved having German players as an integral part of the system.
#3 - Dani Alves
With Bayern captain Philipp Lahm having officially retired from football, the club is left with Joshua Kimmich and Rafinha to fill the gap. While it may not sound too bad on paper, the reality is that none of them can compare to the 2014 World Champion.
However, one fullback who does belong up there with the best of his generation is certainly Dani Alves. After guiding Juventus to the final of the Champions League with heroic performances against FC Porto, FC Barcelona and AS Monaco, the Brazilian decided to leave the club and was available on a free.
To win the greatest competition in club football, it is a player like Alves who can add the experience and winning mentality to the team. Despite being 34, Dani was involved in 6 goals and 7 assists for the champions of Italy, last season.
#2 - Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale is perhaps the only unrealistic name figuring in this list. Why? Because when Real Madrid deem a player to be important in their plans, it is a rarity that he leaves, arguably the greatest club in Europe at the moment. However, Bale could well lose his starting position at Los Blancos, especially with Isco's recent form.
So an approach from Bayern Munich could have certainly made the Welshman reconsider his decision of staying. Arjen Robben is without a doubt, one of the best at his position in Europe, but he is extremely injury prone for his age and at the twilight of his career.
Bale, is not far better in terms of fitness, but having two world class wingers to rotate for the starting spot on the right-hand side, throughout the course of the season is by all means not a bad idea. Despite missing out on a large part of the previous campaign, the flying Welshman still managed to score 10 goals and provide 4 assists.
#1 - Alexis Sanchez
It is clear that Alexis Sanchez is not too happy with life at Arsenal. The Chilean wanted to leave the club but has failed to complete any move during the summer. However, he would have certainly been a big boost for Bayern's attack.
After Douglas Costa's departure, Ribéry and Coman are the remaining options to operate on the left flank. The veteran Frenchman is not getting any younger, whereas Coman does not have the experience nor the quality of the Chilean star, just yet.
Sanchez scored 28 goals and mustered 15 assists for the Londoners last term, which puts him up there with the most prolific active attackers in European football. Besides, his end product, Alexis is a remarkable dribbler and creator. As a matter of fact, he averaged 2.8 dribbles and 2 key passes in the English Premier League last season 2016/2017.
