The ball came down from a long way and was even deflected on its way, but the end result was even more proof of how key the first touch can be in football. Kingsley Coman didn’t just take down that looping cross but also played it perfectly into space, clear of defenders, and in front of goal. A quick sprint and the Frenchman fired the ball high into the Hannover net. It was the crucial strike to put Bayern 2-1 ahead on their way to a 3-1 win over their promoted visitors. Moreover, it was the reward Coman deserved for his performance.
“Outstanding,” was how Joshua Kimmich reacted to Coman’s first touch to set up the goal. However, the 21-year-old didn’t just score a goal but also won the penalty to seal the 3-1 win. The Frenchman continually left opposition defenders dizzy with his dazzling pace and runs down the wing, which caused great oohs and aahs from the Allianz Arena crowd. “It was an amazing performance,” praised head coach Jupp Heynckes, “It’s great to see how he’s progressed with us.”
“When Kingsley gets the wind in his sails, he’s tough for any defender to stop. I know that well from training,” Kimmich explained. “Kingsley has extraordinary ability that you don’t find just anywhere,” added Thomas Müller. “He’s tough to stop when he steps on the gas.” David Alaba also found the performance of his left-wing partner “outstanding. He shows week in, week out what he can do, that he’s a player of world-class potential. We’re thrilled to have him in our team.”
James “so close” to goal
The same can be said for James Rodriguez, who has consistently continued to blossom since his summer move from Madrid. The Colombian was one of FCB’s most lively outlets against Hannover, with more touches (121), more passes (92), more crosses (8), more shots and more assists for shots (both 6) than anyone on the pitch. On numerous occasions, he was just inches away from netting his third Bundesliga goal.
"I was really close,” said the 26-year-old, who had to be substituted at half-time a week ago in Gladbach and miss a few days training due to concussion. However, he quickly moved on from those near misses against Hannover: “The most important thing is we won. The team played really well against a side with really good defensive organisation. And I feel good, too.”
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