Will Bayern Munich still be a force on FIFA 23?
Even though Bayern Munich still won the league last season, their overall campaign was a disappointment. They were knocked out of the Champions League, in the quarter finals, by underdogs Villareal. That makes it the second year in a row Bayern have underperformed in the Champions League.
They have also not made it past the second round in the DFB-Pokal for two seasons as well. If they are to lose Robert Lewandowski, there will be genuine cause for concern. Bayern have strengthened over the summer however, with signings in key areas for now, as well as looking to the future.
One key area of concern is the defence. If Bayern want to make it to the latter stages of next season’s Champions League, they will need to strengthen at centre back, as well find cover for Alphonso Davies at left back.
As long as Bayern keep some of their key players, they will still be one of the stronger sides on FIFA 23, especially when you consider some of the quality they have.
Bayern Munich: Goalkeepers and defenders
Manuel Neuer – 90 (-)
Sven Ulreich – 75 (-)
Lucas Hernández – 83 (-)
Dayot Upamecano – 83 (+1)
Tanguy Nianzou – 73 (+2)
Alphonso Davies – 84 (+2)
Benjamin Pavard – 79 (-)
Noussair Mazraoui – 81 (+1)
Josip Stanisic – 70 (+7)
Bouna Sarr – 75 (-)
Matthijs De Ligt – 85 (-)
In comparison to other top teams across Europe, Bayern were noticeably weak at centre back, this was untill they signed Dutch youngster Matthijs De Ligt. De Liga has been around for a while now, but is still only 22, it’s a great bit of business for Bayern Munich and also ensures they will be a great Kick-Off option in FIFA 23.
Upamecano had a good first season for the club, he didn’t set the world on fire but he showed he had the quality needed to start for the club.
Neuer is still one of the best in the world. He consistently performs for Bayern Munich and there is still no one else like him on his level.
Alphonso Davies has proven time and again he is one of the best left backs in the world, especially getting forward. FIFA has always recognised his pace, but going into FIFA 23 he should get a boost for the rest of his stats. Davies was still crucial last season, despite how much of it he missed through injury.
Bayern Munich: Midfielders
Joshua Kimmich – 89 (-)
Leon Goretzka – 87 (-)
Ryan Gravenberch 81 (+3)
Marcel Sabitzer – 81 (-3)
Jamal Musiala – 79 (+4)
Bayern may look light in midfield but they primarily play with a ten/second striker so they can afford to be. That being said, maybe one or two fresh faces could help shake things up, as well as add quality depth.
The addition of promising youngster Gravenberch could be a huge signing for the future, after he had an exceptional season for Ajax last year.
Goretzka and Kimmich are both seasoned professionals at this point. They may not deserve an upgrade, but they have proven for long enough their quality. Their rating shouldn’t change come FIFA 23, they’re still two of the best in their position and will be relied on for years to come.
Newcomer Sabitzer underperformed all season, never finding his best form and is likely to get a significant ratings reduction when FIFA 23 releases.
Bayern Munich: Forwards
Sadio Mané – 90 (+1)
Leroy Sané – 85 (+1)
Serge Gnabry – 85 (-)
Kingsley Coman – 85 (-1)
Thomas Müller – 88 (+1)
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting 75 (-1)
It was, as always, a very strong season for the Bayern Munich forward line. Lewandowski hit 50 goals during the 21/22 season in one of his best seasons for the club. There are no signs of him slowing down and if his move is a huge loss.
The only thing that can make up for that loss would be signing a new star striker, fortunately they already have. Sadio Mané has joined from Liverpool, after an amazing season. He can play anywhere across the front line and can score goals from anywhere.
Lewandowski leaving means they now need to replace him but bringing in Mané already, should take off some of the pressure.
Leroy Sané also looked back to his best last season, and it was a good job too because Kingsley Coman had a poor season by his own standards. For this reason, it seems likely they will both have their cards tweaked for FIFA 23.
Final thoughts
Bayern Munich don’t have the financial pull of some of the richer clubs in the world, but they will always be a draw to players. Mané signing is a real statement of intent, but the lose Lewandowski means they have a lot of goals to find from somewhere.
Although the season was largely a positive one, players still underperformed and never quite hit expectations. Sabitzer and Coman especially didn’t provide what we have grown to expect from them, and will likely have a reduction of stats going into FIFA 23.
As long as Bayern Munich strengthen defensively, they will continue to dominate the Bundesliga and their players will be found throughout Ultimate Team. The pace some of their players have at their disposal means they will always be an option, and expect to see plenty of Bayern Munich players during FIFA 23.
As always, Bayern Munich will be one of the best teams in the Bundesliga this season, so they will receive plenty of specials throughout FIFA 23’s lifecycle.
