In his column for Sky Sport Germany, Lothar Matthäus, pundit and former Germany international, praises the progress of Ismaël Saibari, handed the number 10 role by Bayern Munich against Leipzig, ahead of the visit of Arsenal in the Champions League.
Ismaël Saibari is rising through the ranks across the Rhine. On Saturday, the Moroccan attacking midfielder started in the number 10 role in Bayern Munich’s emphatic win over RB Leipzig (6-1), according to Mountakhab.net. A performance that did not escape Lothar Matthäus, who published an analytical column on Monday on Sky Sport Germany.
Signed from PSV Eindhoven this summer, the Atlas Lion now plays for a Bayern side that took top spot in the Bundesliga this weekend thanks to its attacking festival against Leipzig, according to Flashscore.fr.
Matthäus praises the Moroccan’s progress
In his column relayed by Mountakhab.net, the former Ballon d’Or winner particularly praised the steady progress of the 25-year-old. “Ismael Saibari played in the number 10 position against Leipzig. The Moroccan has improved over the course of the season,” the German pundit wrote in particular.
Matthäus places this progress in the context of Bayern’s attacking competition. He notes that Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl still lack physical rhythm to claim an immediate starting place. “Karl and Gnabry still lack rhythm. Kompany has three players for two positions. The decision will be tight,” continued the former Germany captain, quoted by the same source.
An injury and an express climb
Saibari scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, before injuring his right thigh in the round of 16 against Canada, according to Flashscore.fr.
After recovering from that injury, the attacking midfielder is quickly moving up the attacking pecking order under head coach Vincent Kompany, according to the same media outlet.
Olise suspended before Arsenal
For the visit of Arsenal, Kompany must deal with the suspension of winger Michael Olise in the Champions League, reports Mountakhab.net. In an attacking department where Matthäus sees three players for two positions, he believes the decision will be tight.
The match against Arsenal is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 21:00 at the Allianz Arena, on matchday 3 of the Champions League league phase.