Germany is well known for producing exceptional football players, from Franz Beckenbauer to Mesut Ozil. However, in recent years, a new name has been making waves in the world of football – Joshua Kimmich. At just 26 years old, Kimmich has already established himself as one of the best players in the world and has become an integral part of the German national team.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Joshua Kimmich, exploring his rise to stardom, his playing style, and the impact he has had on both club and country. We will take a closer look at his achievements, as well as his strengths and weaknesses, and analyze what makes him such a vital player for both Bayern Munich and Germany. So, let’s kick off our journey into the world of Joshua Kimmich.
Early Life and Career
Joshua Kimmich was born on February 8, 1995, in Rottweil, a small town in Southwest Germany. He grew up in a football-loving family, with both his parents being amateur players. His father, Berthold Kimmich, even coached him in his early years, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a love for the game.
At just seven years old, Kimmich joined the youth academy of his local club, VfB Bösingen. It didn’t take long for him to make a name for himself, and at the age of nine, he moved to Stuttgart, joining the prestigious academy of VfB Stuttgart. This move proved to be a crucial point in his career, as he began to hone his skills and develop into a promising young player.
At the age of seven, Kimmich enrolled in the youth academy of his hometown club, VfB Bösingen
In 2010, Kimmich joined RB Leipzig, who were then playing in the fifth division of German football. Here, he continued to impress, and his performances caught the attention of Bayern Munich’s scouts. In 2013, at just 18 years old, Kimmich signed for Bayern Munich, one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Rising Through the Ranks at Bayern Munich
Upon joining Bayern Munich, Kimmich was initially assigned to their reserve team, who were playing in the fourth division of German football. However, it didn’t take long for him to make an impact, and his consistent performances soon earned him a call-up to the first team.
On September 24, 2015, Kimmich made his debut for Bayern Munich in a Bundesliga match against FC Augsburg. He came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and scored his first goal for the club just nine minutes later. This performance caught the eye of then-manager Pep Guardiola, who praised Kimmich’s technical abilities and vision on the pitch.
In the 2015-16 season, Kimmich made 23 appearances for Bayern Munich, scoring four goals and providing six assists. He helped the club win the Bundesliga title and played a crucial role in their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His performances earned him the “Rookie of the Season” award from the German Football Association (DFB).
Since then, Kimmich has firmly established himself as a key player for Bayern Munich. He has won seven Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal trophies, and most notably, the UEFA Champions League title in the 2019-20 season. In the 2020-21 season, he was named captain of the club, taking over the armband from the legendary Manuel Neuer.
Playing Style and Position
Joshua Kimmich is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions on the pitch. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but is also comfortable playing as a right-back, center-back, and even as a winger. This flexibility has been a great asset for both Bayern Munich and the German national team.
Kimmich’s playing style is often described as that of a “complete midfielder.” He is strong in both attack and defense, with excellent technical abilities and a high football IQ. His passing range and accuracy are exceptional, and he excels in breaking down opposition attacks and starting counterattacks for his team.
He predominantly plays as a defensive midfielder but is also adept at operating as a right-back, center-back, and occasionally as a winger
One of Kimmich’s greatest strengths is his ability to read the game and anticipate opponents’ movements. This allows him to make crucial interceptions and tackles, breaking up play and quickly transitioning into an attacking position. He also has a keen eye for goal, with his long-range shooting and set-piece abilities being particularly impressive.
Impact on the German National Team
Kimmich made his debut for the German national team in May 2016 in a friendly match against Slovakia. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, making 57 appearances and scoring three goals.
His impact on the German national team has been immense, with him playing a vital role in their progression to the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-finals. In the group stage, he was the standout player, scoring a goal and providing two assists in their opening match against Portugal. He also played a pivotal role in their win against defending champions France, controlling the midfield and stifling their attacks.
In addition, Kimmich’s leadership qualities have shone through in the national team, with him being named vice-captain behind Manuel Neuer. His dedication, work ethic, and tactical awareness have earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans and coaches alike.
Achievements and Awards
Joshua Kimmich’s achievements at such a young age are nothing short of impressive. At just 26 years old, he has already won multiple titles with Bayern Munich and has established himself as one of the best players in the world.
Some of his notable achievements and awards include:
- UEFA Champions League title (2019-20)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2020)
- Bundesliga titles (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
- DFB-Pokal titles (2015-16, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship (2017)
- FIFA Confederations Cup (2017)
- DFB-Pokal “Rookie of the Season” (2015-16)
- VDV Bundesliga Player of the Season (2020-21)
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like any other player, Joshua Kimmich has his strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
Strengths
Versatility
As mentioned earlier, Kimmich’s ability to play in multiple positions is one of his greatest strengths. This versatility allows him to adapt to different formations and roles on the pitch, making him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
His versatility enables him to adjust to various formations and positions on the field, making him a crucial asset for both his club and national team
Technical Abilities
Kimmich’s technical abilities are second to none. He has exceptional ball control, passing range, and shooting accuracy. His set-piece abilities are also impressive, with him being the designated free-kick taker for both Bayern Munich and Germany.
Leadership
Despite being just 26 years old, Kimmich displays strong leadership qualities on and off the pitch. He leads by example and is not afraid to take charge and make crucial decisions for his team.
Work Ethic
One of the most admirable traits of Joshua Kimmich is his work ethic. He is known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and is always looking to improve himself.
Weaknesses
Physicality
At just 5’9″, Kimmich is not the tallest or most physically imposing player on the pitch. This can sometimes make it challenging for him to compete with taller and more physical opponents.
Aggression
While Kimmich is a tenacious player, he has been known to get carried away at times, resulting in some reckless challenges and receiving unnecessary yellow cards.
Comparison with Other Players
Joshua Kimmich’s playing style has often been compared to that of German legend Philipp Lahm. Both players are versatile and can play in various positions on the pitch, with Lahm being equally adept as a right-back and defensive midfielder.
Aside from Lahm, Kimmich has also been likened to another German great, Bastian Schweinsteiger. Like Schweinsteiger, Kimmich possesses excellent technical abilities, leadership qualities, and an eye for goal. However, unlike Schweinsteiger, who primarily played as a central midfielder, Kimmich has shown that he can excel in multiple positions.
Future Prospects
At just 26 years old, Joshua Kimmich’s future in football looks bright. He has already achieved so much in his career, and there is no doubt that he will continue to be a vital player for both Bayern Munich and Germany for years to come.
His versatility, technical abilities, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for any team, and he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Germany’s bid to win the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Joshua Kimmich is a rising star in the world of football. From his humble beginnings in a small town in Germany to becoming one of the best players in the world, his journey has been nothing short of impressive. His dedication, hard work, and talent have earned him numerous accolades and the respect of fans and peers alike.
Kimmich’s versatility, technical abilities, and leadership make him a player to watch out for in the future. He has already achieved so much at a young age, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make waves in the world of football for years to come. So, let us sit back and enjoy the rise of Germany’s new star – Joshua Kimmich.
