Kimmich’s Best Position: Lahm Clarifies the Debate

Joshua Kimmich’s best position has sparked debate across Bayern Munich and Germany for years. Now, German legend Philipp Lahm has weighed in, offering rare clarity on how Kimmich should be deployed to maximize his influence for club and country.

Joshua Kimmich’s Role: Lahm Offers His Perspective

For much of his Bayern Munich career, Joshua Kimmich has operated as a No. 6, dictating play from deep in midfield. Yet for the German national team, especially in recent major tournaments, Kimmich has often been shifted back to right-back—a role he mastered early on. This positional fluidity, while a testament to his tactical intelligence, has led to ongoing debate about where he’s most valuable.

Philipp Lahm, Kimmich’s predecessor and a player frequently compared to him, spoke candidly about the issue at his recent German Sports Hall of Fame induction. Reflecting on his own move into midfield during the 2014 World Cup, Lahm noted the context: “I only played in midfield because Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira were coming back from injury. I returned to full-back because it served the team.”

Kimmich’s Best Position According to Lahm

Lahm sees no tactical necessity for Kimmich’s regular switches between midfield and defence. Instead, he believes Kimmich is at his absolute best in central midfield, ideally as a No. 8: “To be honest, I actually see him as number eight, with a number six next to him. That would be my optimal position for Joshua Kimmich.”

Lahm emphasized that while positional consistency benefits any player, Kimmich is a unique case: “Kimmich has proven he can play both positions at a high level. But for me, his influence is strongest where he can impact every phase of play—in the centre.”

The Lahm-Kimmich Comparison: Parallels and Key Differences

The parallels between Lahm and Kimmich are undeniable. Both transitioned between full-back and midfield, both captained Germany, and both became tactical cornerstones for Bayern Munich. When Lahm retired in 2017, Kimmich seamlessly filled the void as Bayern’s modern full-back before evolving into a world-class midfielder.

Yet, differences define their individual legacies. While Lahm was renowned for his composure and tactical discipline, Kimmich brings a more aggressive passing range and directness to the midfield. Lahm himself has praised Kimmich’s adaptability and leadership, but he’s quick to highlight that Kimmich is forging his own identity, not simply following in his footsteps.

Bayern Munich’s Tactical Shift: From Lahm to Kimmich

Under Pep Guardiola, Lahm’s transition from full-back to midfielder went flawlessly, anchoring a Bayern era marked by precision and control. Kimmich’s ascent was met with early doubts about his physicality and defensive prowess. However, he quickly excelled as a right-back from 2016 to 2019 before Bayern’s evolving setup moved him centrally, where he played a crucial role in the historic sextuple-winning 2019-20 season.

This journey mirrored Germany’s own period of transition. As legends like Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan bowed out, Kimmich stepped into the heart of midfield, guiding a new generation and shouldering growing leadership responsibilities.

Germany’s Rebuild and Kimmich’s Key Role

Kimmich’s position isn’t just a tactical matter; it’s pivotal for both Bayern Munich and Germany’s footballing identity. At Bayern, he remains the heartbeat of the midfield, orchestrating play and leading with relentless intensity. For Germany, where the team seeks stability after several turbulent years, Kimmich’s deployment could make or break their fortunes in upcoming tournaments.

Lahm’s endorsement of Kimmich as a central midfielder is not just practical—it signals trust in his ability to drive Germany forward. As captain, Kimmich is now tasked with inspiring a squad in transition and guiding them through the challenges of Euro qualifiers and the forthcoming 2026 World Cup.

Joshua Kimmich at the 2026 World Cup: Time to Shine

The question of Joshua Kimmich’s best position will come into sharper focus as the 2026 World Cup approaches. For Germany, finding the right midfield balance is crucial to unleashing attacking talents and stabilizing a side eager to reclaim its former glory. Kimmich’s versatility is invaluable, but as Lahm insists, his primary influence is best felt in the engine room of midfield.

With Kimmich at the center, Germany has a leader capable of dictating tempo, breaking lines with incisive passes, and providing cover for the defence—a role reminiscent of Lahm’s best years, but with Kimmich’s unique edge.

Opinion: Kimmich’s Future Is in the Heart of Midfield

Philipp Lahm’s assessment is spot on—Joshua Kimmich’s best position lies in central midfield, where his tactical intelligence, leadership, and technical skills can shine brightest. While his adaptability makes him an asset in multiple roles, both Bayern Munich and Germany will benefit most by allowing him to command the middle of the pitch. As Germany rebuilds, Kimmich’s presence as a No. 8 could be the key to restoring their dominance on the world stage.

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