A typical move from training: David Alaba wins the ball on the left and finds Corentin Tolisso in the centre. The Frenchman fires a precise crossfield ball to Rafinha, who suddenly has the entire flank to himself. It’s the kind of volleyed pass very few players boast in their armoury.
The 22-year-old newcomer stands out both for that kind of skill and due to his visual impression. His team-mates were all decked out in short white socks, but the midfielder invariably favours the traditional long variety. “There’s no special reason. I just don’t like playing in ankle socks,” he told fcbayern.com with a broad grin after Monday’s workout.
The man in charge
However, the choice of kit is merely a footnote compared to the Frenchman’s remarkable array of skills. In particular, Tolisso is impressively cool and aware under pressure. Despite being surrounded by three opponents on receiving a pass from Javi Martinez, the former Lyon talent kept his head up and picked out Robert Lewandowski with a defence-splitting through ball, leaving the Pole with only the keeper to beat.
Tolisso appears totally composed in training, despite the presence of three World Cup winners in Martinez, Mats Hummels and Thomas Müller and a host of other big-name stars. “Training with great players like these is just fantastic. I can learn so much and it’ll help me develop,” the France international declared before heading to the locker room.