Philipp Lahm likens Alphonso Davies to Bayern Munich legend

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Former Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has revealed Alphonso Davies reminds him of a ‘younger version’ of the now-retired full-back.

Lahm had a distinguished career with the Bavaria giants, playing over 500 games for his boyhood club, winning eight Bundesliga titles, six German Cups and one Champions League crown throughout his career.

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The World Cup winner called time on his own career back in 2017 at just 33 years old, but Bayern have continued to dominate the domestic scene in Germany, in part, thanks to a new wave of exciting young talent coming through the ranks at the Allianz Arena.

One of the most promising prospects under Hansi Flick’s tutelage is Canada international Davies. The winger turned left-back has established himself as one of the best defenders across the continent over the last 18 months, and Lahm can see some similarities between the former Vancouver Whitecaps man and himself.

“Davies had an outrageously good first season at Bayern. He’s a classic full-back, I’d say. Dynamic, quick, physically capable. He plays with passion.

“He reminds me a bit of a young version of myself – youthful, determined. He still has a lot to learn, but that’s okay as he’s young – especially tactically, how you act defensively and offensively is very important,” he said in an interview with the official Bundesliga website.

“For me, initially, it was all about working on the defensive side of my game. You have to get that experience which is highly important as a young player. He’ll show the rewards of that experience defensively in due course, I’m sure.”

How far can Davies go?

If the 20-year-old can have half the career that his predecessor achieved, then he will be an unequivocal success. Lahm walked away from football with 22 major honours to his name and a reputation as one of the best full-backs to ever grace the sport.

Davies still has a long way to go to get anywhere near that sort of level, but with eight major trophies under his belt, including a Champions League triumph, he is well on his way to replicating Lahm’s level.

With the likes of Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich and Leroy Sane keeping Davies company at FC Hollywood, Bayern could be set for another nine years of domestic domination.