The question of whether Joshua Kimmich started his career as a right-back is one that often sparks debate among football enthusiasts and tactical analysts.
To understand the trajectory of one of the world’s most versatile players, one must look at the specific moment his role in the global spotlight shifted.
The definitive move to the right-back position occurred as a result of a major leadership vacuum at Bayern Munich: after Philipp Lahm’s retirement, Kimmich took over his position and began playing as a right-back.
While this transition defined a significant chapter of his career, the answer to whether he started there requires a look at his developmental years and the tactical necessity that forced the change.
The Succession: Filling the Shoes of a Legend
The most critical piece of evidence regarding Kimmich’s positioning at the top level is his role as the successor to Philipp Lahm.
Lahm, a generational talent and a World Cup-winning captain, left a massive void in both the Bayern Munich and German National Team defensive lines.
It was only following the retirement of Lahm that Kimmich officially transitioned into the right-back role.
This move was not merely an experimental shift but a strategic decision by the club to replace a legendary figure with a player who possessed a similar tactical brain and technical proficiency.
Why Kimmich Was the Chosen One
Replacing Philipp Lahm was considered one of the most difficult tasks in modern football. However, Kimmich was identified as the perfect candidate because:
- Tactical Intelligence: Like Lahm, Kimmich possesses an innate ability to read the game three steps ahead.
- Technical Versatility: His ability to cross, pass, and defend made him a natural fit for the demands of a modern fullback.
- Leadership Potential: Even in his early years, Kimmich showed the temperament required to take over the mantle of a club icon.
Midfield Roots at Stuttgart and RB Leipzig
In his youth and early professional years, Joshua Kimmich was primarily viewed as a central midfielder.
At the VfB Stuttgart academy and later at RB Leipzig, he operated as a “number 6” or a “number 8.” His style was defined by high energy, ball recovery, and progressive passing from the center of the pitch.
The Pep Guardiola Influence
When Kimmich arrived at Bayern Munich, it was under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Guardiola utilized him in various positions, including center-back during an injury crisis.
This period of “tactical schooling” prepared him for the eventual transition into the role Lahm would vacate.
Transitioning to the Flank: A Tactical Masterstroke
When the shift to right-back finally occurred, it changed the way Bayern Munich attacked. Unlike traditional fullbacks who stay wide, Kimmich often operated as an inverted fullback.
Because his “start” in football was in the midfield, he naturally drifted inward when his team had possession. This allowed him to utilize his playmaking abilities from deep, effectively acting as an extra midfielder while technically being listed as a defender.
This hybrid role was a direct result of his background as a central player transitioning into the defensive slot vacated by Lahm.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Versatility
Joshua Kimmich’s career is a testament to the fact that where a player starts is not nearly as important as where they can excel for the team.
By taking over for Philipp Lahm and embracing the right-back position, Kimmich solidified his status as one of the most important players in the world.
His transition was not just a change of jersey numbers or positions on a pitch—it was the successful inheritance of a legacy.
