Kimmich’s Best Position: Philipp Lahm Clears the Debate

Joshua Kimmich’s best position has become one of the most discussed topics in European football, with both Bayern Munich and the Germany national team leveraging his remarkable versatility. Now, German icon Philipp Lahm has weighed in, offering his expert opinion on where the Bayern Munich and Germany star truly belongs on the pitch.

Philipp Lahm Breaks Down Kimmich’s Ideal Role

As Bayern Munich’s tactical systems have evolved, Kimmich has established himself as a key orchestrator in the No. 6 defensive midfield role. Yet for the German national team, his recent shifts back to right-back have reignited the debate about his most effective position. Philipp Lahm, whose own career path frequently saw him compared to Kimmich, has offered valuable insight.

Reflecting on his own experience, Lahm recalled his temporary move into midfield during the 2014 World Cup due to injuries within the squad. He emphasized that, unlike his case, there is no pressing tactical necessity for Kimmich to revert to right-back. “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 declared at his German Sports Hall of Fame induction.

Why Kimmich’s Versatility Is Both a Blessing and a Challenge

Kimmich’s adaptability sets him apart, allowing him to dominate both in midfield and defense. But as Lahm points out, while consistency in one position benefits both player and team, Kimmich’s exceptional ability allows for exceptions. “Of course, it helps a player if he plays in one position for a longer period of time, also for the safety of the team. But there are always exceptions, and Joshua Kimmich has proven that he can play both positions at a high level,” Lahm added.

Kimmich and Lahm: A Tale of Two Leaders

The parallels between Kimmich and Lahm are striking. Both have exceeded 100 caps for Germany, captained club and country, and embodied leadership and tactical intelligence. After Lahm’s retirement in 2017, Kimmich seamlessly transitioned from full-back to midfield maestro, echoing Lahm’s late-career shift under Pep Guardiola. While Kimmich shares Lahm’s vision and discipline, he brings a more aggressive passing style and directness that gives him a distinct identity.

Adapting to Bayern Munich’s Evolution

The Bayern Munich landscape has shifted significantly from the days of Lahm’s dominance. Lahm represented an era defined by control and tactical precision, highlighted by the treble-winning 2013 season and a seamless switch from full-back to midfield under Guardiola’s guidance. For Kimmich, the path was different: skepticism about his size and defensive skills quickly gave way to his emergence as Europe’s top right-back from 2016 to 2019. His transition into midfield was pivotal in Bayern’s sextuple-winning 2019-20 campaign, cementing his status as the team’s heartbeat.

Joshua Kimmich’s Best Position in Germany’s New Era

The ongoing debate about Kimmich’s best position reflects Germany’s own search for stability following the retirements of Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan. As captain, Kimmich has become the centerpiece of a team in transition, demonstrating his quality in Nations League matches, Euro qualifiers, and friendlies.

Lahm’s preference for Kimmich as a box-to-box No. 8, paired with a No. 6 midfielder, mirrors Germany’s need for a dynamic leader capable of influencing both phases of play. The upcoming 2026 World Cup will be a defining moment for Kimmich to assert his impact further and help restore Germany’s status on the world stage.

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Opinion: Trust Kimmich’s Influence in Midfield

In my view, Philipp Lahm’s endorsement of Joshua Kimmich as a central midfielder is spot on. Kimmich’s tactical intelligence, passing range, and leadership make him indispensable in the heart of the action. While his versatility is a huge asset, settling him in the No. 8 role next to a dedicated defensive midfielder will allow Germany and Bayern Munich to maximize his abilities while offering stability to both teams. At 30, the upcoming World Cup could be the perfect stage for Kimmich to truly define his legacy—just as Lahm did before him.