New Bayern Munich signing names Arsenal midfielder as his idol

Atrayo Bhattacharya

•
New Bayern Munich signing names Arsenal midfielder as his idol image

Bayern Munich officially presented their new signing, Tom Bischof in Orlando, where they have set up a camp for the Club World Cup. The young midfielder recently made his Germany debut and has impressed everyone with his work ethic and positive attitude. 

Bischof will be donning the number 20 jersey for the Bavarians and will look to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournament in the United States and leave a mark on manager Vincent Kompany to cement a place in the starting eleven. 

The 19-year-old midfielder was one of the brightest players for TSG Hoffenheim last season as they somehow escaped relegation from the Bundesliga. But it was a great season for Bischof as he marshalled the midfield. 

At his presentation, he spoke at length about a lot of aspects around Bayern Munich and growing up as a footballer and all. He was also asked about players he looked up to and the teenage instantly named an Arsenal midfield maestro.

"I like watching Martin Ødegaard for example, he's a great player," Bischof said at the presentation in Orlando. 

"I used to play in a more attacking position. Now at professional level, playing at #6 and #8 has been very beneficial for me. I feel comfortable everywhere centrally. But I see myself at #6 and #8," he replied when asked about his favoured position. 

📲 Follow AllSportsPeople on WhatsApp

Bischof will have to compete with the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Konrad Laimer for a position in midfield. But given his talent and versatility, Bischof is expected to play a big role in Kompany's system. 

He made his international debut against France in the Nations League third-place playoff and though they lost, Julian Nagelsmann was delighted with the youngster's demeanor and work ethic. 

What did Bischof say about his move to Bayern Munich?

Bayern Munich monitored Bischof for a few years before taking the opportunity to snap up him up on free transfer as his contract with Hoffenheim ran out. The youngster opened up about his decision to move to Bavaria. 

"I've been a fan my whole life. I have a large picture of myself in a Bayern shirt hanging above my bed at my parents' house. The talks with Max Eberl and Christoph Freund were very good, and the final decision came from the conversations with the coach"

"Everything is much bigger here, of course, but I was already aware of that. What impressed me most was the quality of training, although I knew that, but I'm just happy to be here," he said when asked about comparisons between Bayern and Hoffenheim.

Bischof likes to play in a more attacking role in midfield, but some his qualities are similar to Kimmich and therefore there have been some comparisons, but Bischof feels though he looks up to his Germany teammate, they aren't completely similar in their play styles. 

"I've heard that a few times. I have to say that Jo is an outstanding footballer. I look up to him, too. I also think our playing styles are similar, but we're not completely alike."

Although he is only 19, Bischof has a lot of Bundesliga experience from his four seasons with Hoffenheim's senior team. He has featured in 70 Bundesliga matches and scored six goals. Therefore, he is ready to take over the midfield reins at Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich news and related links

News Correspondent