Thomas Muller is fast becoming the new attraction in the transfer market as it seems. The German International has already attracted three Premier League giants in Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal along with Serie A Champions and Champions League finalists Juventus. Bayern, having already signed a few quality players in order to improve their squad, after the retirements of Philip Lahm and Xabi Alonso, have put question marks on Muller as a first team regular. The big clubs have sensed that very reason, and thus they are showing interest in Thomas.
Even though Bayern CEO Karl Heinz Rummenigge has claimed that Thomas Muller is not categorically up for grabs in the transfer market. However, with the World Cup just around the corner, Muller will be seeking some first team minutes and moving abroad might as well prove to be the solution.
Let us do a SWOT Analysis of the player.
Strengths
Thomas Muller is a predator. Sharp movements and terrific finishing are his main instincts as a predator. Muller is widely recognised as one of the smartest forwards in modern day football. Also, he is a top drawer player, having already scored a handful amount of goals for club and country. He has scored 161 goals for his club Bayern Munich with 133 assists. Muller has also scored 37 goals in 85 appearances for the national team as well.
The most appreciable trait about the 27-year-old is the fact he not only looks to score goals but is always on the lookout for assisting his teammates. In Bundesliga, Muller has an astonishing record of 96 goals and 96 assists in 257 games. In fact, he is one of the most underrated forwards in Europe too. Muller can get in behind the defence to cause troubles for the opposition, while his slick movements offer his teammates with extra spaces in between the lines.
Last season, Thomas Muller wasn’t as influential as he would have liked, scoring just five goals in the league. However, in that process, he also proved that he can be a great team player. Muller provided 14 assists in the league, bettered only by RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg. His offensive versatility helped him thrive even under new boss Carlo Ancelotti. Starting as a central attacking midfielder, Muller created a handful of opportunities. His style of play is often termed as unorthodox or more precisely “Ramdeuter”, which is translated as “interpreter of space”.
Weaknesses
Lack of pace is definitely a weakness for Thomas Muller. The Bayern star isn’t as flexible on the flanks because of his lack of pace, thus the reason he often gets overlooked with Robben, Ribery or Kingsley Coman, who are more natural in the wing positions with their blistering pace. Although he does make up his lack of mobility through his immense tactical nous.
Opportunities
Thomas Muller would walk into any Premier League starting lineup any day of the year. His ability to cope with pressure even under the toughest situation will help him thrive in the Premier League. Chelsea might be a good choice for Muller, whose style of play perfectly suits manager Antonio Conte. Arsenal can also be an ideal destination for Muller, who can partner alongside Alexandre Lacazette whilst having the services of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.
Threats
The only threat to Premier League clubs is the strong bond between Bayern and Thomas Muller. Despite Muller not being able to ideally play his best game under Ancelotti, he was still given enough chances last season and it’s naive even to think that he will leave FC Bayern, the only club in his career. He loves Bayern, and Bayern love him back too. It’s a rich bond which probably cannot be broken.
