Barcelona vs Bayern Munich combined XI | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

Midfield

Defensive midfielder: Joshua Kimmich

Kimmich has been a crucial figure for Bayern's midfield this year

Bayern Munich's utility man Joshua Kimmich has been one of the most consistent players for the German champions this year. The 25-year-old has played a few different positions for Hansi Flick's team, including appearances as a central midfielder, right-back, and even as a makeshift centre-half.

Kimmich has been an ever-present figure for the Bavarians, and has started seven times along with a sub appearance in this year's UCL. He has proved to be the perfect foil for the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Leon Goretzka, and has provided an incredible amount of energy to the side from Bayern's engine room. The German has pressed opposition midfielders tirelessly and has been judicious with the ball at his feet.

Joshua Kimmich has scored 3 goals this Bundesliga season from outside the box, more than any other FC Bayern player [Opta] pic.twitter.com/UwAEa8iHJK

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) May 26, 2020

Due to Pavard's injury, Kimmich is most likely to slot in at right-back — a position that he has prior experience in. He will have to be wary of the contrasting threats offered by either of Antoine Griezmann or Ousmane Dembele.

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Defensive midfielder: Thiago Alcantara

Thiago could be playing his last European campaign with Bayern

Arguably the most in-form midfielder among both squads, Thiago Alcantara has oozed class in every single display in the UCL so far. The metronomic Spaniard has been incredibly impressive in the middle, effortlessly playing the role of the puppet master for Bayern whenever in possession.

Apart from being impressive with the ball due to his sublime ability, the former Barcelona midfielder has put in an incredible shift in the UCL in defensive terms as well. Thiago has averaged six (!) tackles an interceptions per game, more than anyone in this list so far — reiterating how commendably well-rounded his displays have been in Europe. He will be vital for Bayern's midfield battle with the Blaugrana, and his duel with Frenkie de Jong, in particular, will be a joy to watch.

Thiago has the highest dribble success rate of any player in Europe's top five leagues to attempt 50+ (87%):❍ 100% take-ons completed inside his own box❍ 100% take-ons completed inside the opposition boxJust try and get the ball off him. 💫 pic.twitter.com/KlautCYvcr

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 11, 2020

The 29-year-old is possibly playing his last European campaign with Bayern amidst links to Liverpool in the summer.

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Attacking midfield: Thomas Muller

Thomas Muller has enjoyed a record-breaking season with Bayern Munich

One of the most accomplished active footballers in the world and arguably one of the most unique ones, Thomas Muller, has rolled back the years with a breathtaking 2019/20 season for his boyhood club. The German endured a difficult couple of years and was reportedly even considering moving away from the Allianz Stadium. However, he remained at the club and has turned a new corner at Bayern under Hansi Flick.

The versatile attacker has been deployed in multiple positions this year, including right-midfield, central attacking midfield, and central midfield. Muller broke the record for most assists in a Bundesliga season after setting up a staggering 21 goals in 33 games for his teammates. Additionally, he also scored eight goals to go with it to round off a simply phenomenal title-winning season for Bayern. He's also pressed opposition teams tirelessly, winning the ball back high up the pitch for Flick's men.

Muller is a player capable of popping up in spaces that not too many players in the world can see. The likes of Sergio Busquets and other defensive Barcelona personnel will have to keep a specific watch on Raumdeuter's movement around the final third.

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