Meet 3 Bayern Munich stars that will give Arsenal a run for their money

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Toni Kross The north Londoners will be all too aware of what threat this 24-year-old poses, with Kroos producing a...

The Gunners will have to be at their very best against the treble-winning Germans.

 

Other than Manchester City v Barcelona, probably the most highly anticipated Champions League last-16 tie is the clash between Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

With the first leg at the Emirates Stadium imminent, here are three Bayern stars that the Gunners need to be wary of when the Germans come to town.

Arjen Robben Bayern Munich

Arjen Robben

In the expected absence of talismanic winger Franck Ribery due to injury, the impetus will be put on Robben to provide the creativity from the flanks.

Not that this should prove to be a burden to the experienced Dutchman, who remains one the best players in world football and has scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists in 26 matches this term.

The main criticism aimed at Robben is that the 30-year-old relies too much on his left foot and is too predictable when cutting inside from the right wing – but even if Kieran Gibbs expects this, actually stopping the Netherlands international is another matter.

Toni Kroos Bayern Munich

Toni Kross

The north Londoners will be all too aware of what threat this 24-year-old poses, with Kroos producing a masterclass at the same stage of the Champions League at the Emirates last term.

Arguably Bayern are an even better team than then – if that can be possible for a side that won the treble – and Kroos is an important part of that success, pulling the creative strings in midfield.

Almost unbelievably the German plays an average of nine long balls a game in Europe with a passing accuracy of 95.3%, to emphasise just what the midfielder is capable of.

Philipp Lahm Bayern Munich

Philipp Lahm

It’s been something of a renaissance campaign for the Bayern captain at the Allianz Arena since Pep Guardiola took over as head coach.

Lahm has been regarded as one of the finest full-backs in world football for some time, but the tactically astute Guardiola decided on a new role for the 30-year-old in 2013/14 – defensive midfield.

The Germany international has taken to this position brilliantly and will be tasked with keeping national team-mate Mesut Ozil quiet in this game in north London, something that should be quite some battle.

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