Bayern Munich boasts a strong roster of central defenders, including talents like Dayot Upamecano, Minjae Kim, Hiroki Ito, and Josip Stanišič. So, what unique qualities does the arrival of Jonathan Tah bring to the team?
Early Career and Rapid Rise
Jonathan Tah`s move to Bayern is a significant acquisition for the Munich club. At just 29 years old, the imposing defender combines extensive experience across domestic leagues, European competitions, and the international stage while still being in his prime. His remarkable journey began in Hamburg over a decade ago.
Tah made his Bundesliga debut for Hamburg against Hertha Berlin on August 24, 2013. Then-coach Thorsten Fink showed confidence in the talented youngster, giving him his chance at the age of just 17 years and 174 days. He remains the second-youngest player to debut for HSV in Bundesliga history, behind only Josha Vagnoman.
Developing at Düsseldorf and Leverkusen
Following that initial season where he played 16 Bundesliga matches for Hamburg, Tah sought more playing time. He spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Düsseldorf, making 23 appearances. His performances there caught the attention of Bayer Leverkusen, who prioritized his transfer and signed him for the 2015/16 Bundesliga campaign.
A Cornerstone at Bayer Leverkusen
Once settled with the Werkself, Tah became a fixture in their defense. Over his ten-season tenure with the club, he accumulated an impressive 289 Bundesliga appearances, contributing 15 goals and 12 assists. His longevity is notable; only five players have featured in more Bundesliga matches for Leverkusen than Tah.
Beyond appearances, Tah also boasts an strong winning record from his total 305 Bundesliga games, ranking fourth on Leverkusen`s all-time victory list. His overall top-flight record includes 158 wins (155 with Leverkusen), 63 draws (60 with Leverkusen), and 84 losses (74 with Leverkusen).
Leading the Invincibles
What truly sets Tah apart among Leverkusen`s historical figures, besides his significant 6`5″ height, is his central role in the club`s most successful period. Under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen finally shed the “Neverkusen” tag with an unprecedented season.
Featuring in all but three Bundesliga matches during the 2023/24 season, Tah scored a personal best of four goals. More importantly, he was a defensive linchpin as Leverkusen became the first team in Bundesliga history to complete an entire season undefeated, securing their first-ever league title.
Completing a Historic Treble Effort
Adding to the historic campaign, Alonso`s squad also lifted the DFB Cup and reached the Europa League final, setting a European record with an incredible 51 consecutive matches across all competitions without defeat.
The adage “defence wins championships” certainly held true, and Tah was at the heart of a backline that achieved an impressive 16 clean sheets in the league that season.
Tah`s experience extends to Europe, with 32 Champions League and 45 Europa League appearances for Leverkusen. He has also established himself in the German national team, earning 35 caps since his debut in 2016.
Crucially for a central defender, Tah has demonstrated remarkable composure, receiving only one red card throughout his entire Bundesliga career.
Experienced and Ready for Bayern
Thanks to his early start at the highest level, Tah has accumulated this wealth of experience by the relatively young age of 29. This means new employers Bayern Munich can expect the towering defender to be in his prime form for the duration of his recently signed four-year contract, bringing leadership, stability, and top-tier performance to their backline.
