Our Bayern fan reporter Lucas Gebhardt pays tribute to the likeable and unconventional midfielder still thrilling crowds in Bavaria and beyond

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I still remember the 2009/10 season very clearly, as Bayern won both the Bundesliga and the German Cup and almost the Champions League title as well. At that time, I started watching Bayern games every weekend as a child – either at home in front of the TV or, of course, preferably in the stadium.

Back then, a player from the club’s own youth ranks, just 19 years of age, caused a sensation. Thomas Müller had spent the previous season mainly active for the youth team in the third division and was still totally unknown, but he was about to play a leading role alongside Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Co.

Müller’s unique style was a huge source of excitement to me right from the start. He never stood out for his technical talent but he always managed to be important in decisive situations through his commitment, hunger and excellent anticipation. In a way, I saw myself in him because, as a child playing for my local club, I was never counted among the best in terms of technique. Rather, I stood out due to my somewhat clumsy ball handling, which Thomas Müller was also long ridiculed for.

Twelve years, ten championships, six Cup wins and two Champions League titles later, it is impossible to imagine the team without the lanky Bavarian. Over that period, Müller has always been an essential player, even if not every coach has recognised it immediately. With his unconventional and unique style of play, he has driven opposing defenders to despair time and time again, and he has also established a completely new term in the football lexicon, one that has since been copied in other languages:“Raumdeuter”, which translates literally as “Space interpreter”.

Thomas Müller is the only player left from the 2009/10 squad. Now 32, he is still a starter and a key player in the current team. But despite all the joy his achievements have brought and his down-to-earth, likeable manner on and off the pitch, it is of course clear that Müller will not remain with Bayern for much longer due to his age. However, when the time for his exit comes, the club already has a suitable replacement. Jamal Musiala is a player under contract in Munich who has one thing in particular in common with Müller: he is causing a sensation at a young age.

At just 18 years old, Musiala has a high and rising market value, and the former Chelsea player occupies exactly the same position as Müller. As a result, Bayern will not have to worry about a lack of attacking creativity in midfield when Müller is no longer in the line-up.

The future for theGerman giants seems bright, even if the day will soon come when we can no longer marvel at the eccentric style of Thomas Müller. For now, though, he is playing a significant role alongside Musiala in the mission to win the Champions League.