“Alphonso Davies can become one of the best left-backs in the world" - Bayern Munich reserves coach Sebastian Hoeneß
Bayern Munich reserves coach Sebastian Hoeneß believes Alphonso Davies has what it takes to become one of the world’s best left-backs.
Davies, 19, made three appearances for Bayern II in Germany’s third division earlier this season, as well as four the previous Regionalliga campaign, but has not missed a game for the senior side in recent months.
He has started 18 of Bayern’s last 19 matches in all competitions, excelling in the left-back role he sometimes plays for Canada.
Watch: Alphonso Davies on playing left-back for Bayern Munich
Hoeneß has backed the former Vancouver Whitecaps starlet to make the position his own.
"Phonzy is now one of the top and most consistent performers at Bayern," he told Goal.
"The fact that he mostly played as a winger early on now benefits him as a left-back.“His physique is one of his great strengths. He is a model athlete: fast and also very robust. Accordingly, his body is his greatest weapon. He is also a left-footer and an accomplished technician, even at the highest speed.
"If his development continues like this, he certainly has the potential to become one of the best in the world in his position."
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Hoeneß also expects Davies’ inexorable rise to inspire the next wave of younger players chasing their career break.
The 17-time Canada international signed for Bayern in July 2018, but had to wait until the new year to officially join the record champions.
He made his Bundesliga debut as a substitute in a 4-1 win over VfB Stuttgart on 27 January 2019, and scored his first goal two months later in a top-flight game against Mainz.
All told, he has turned out 29 times in all competitions for Bayern, registering two goals and five assists.
"[Davies] has showed that it can be worth throwing young lads in at the deep end and giving them the opportunity to swim freely," Hoeneß explained.
"He previously played in the second team and indicated to me his great potential. He was always motivated and tried to get involved."
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