Bayern Munich youngster Torben Rhein recently extended his contract with the club and appears to be regarded as the academy’s top young prospect not currently on the senior-team.
For Rhein, the chance to prove himself in Bavaria was something that he could not pass up. The midfielder recently sat down with Sport1 for an in depth interview that covered a wide-range of topics.
Rhein’s position was an immediate point of discussion in the interview and while he can play any of the central midfield positions, Rhein would prefer to the play “eight” where possible.
–
“I can play anywhere in midfield, as a six, eight or ten,” Rhein said. “But I prefer to play eight because that’s where I have the most freedom. My strengths are my passing game and finishing, but being two-footed is probably my biggest weapon.”
Rhein’s pathway to first-team minutes at the “eight” might seem blocked at the present time in Bavaria, but the 18-year-old has confidence in himself. In fact, Rhein passed up opportunities to join both FC Barcelona and Arsenal to try and carve out his own path in Germany.
“When I was a very young player, I heard that Bayern wanted me and it naturally triggered something in me,” Rhein said. “It was a ‘Wow’ feeling. It is every player’s dream to play for a club like this one day. When I came to Munich and was shown the Allianz Arena, I came to the conclusion: I want to take this step! The club and its concept for me also convinced me.”
One player that Rhein is very familiar with on the first-team roster is Jamal Musiala. For Rhein, seeing Musiala break through is a positive as it proves that it can be done by a young player.
“I see that positively, very clearly. I played with Jamal last season,” Rhein said. “I get on well with him. But I know that I have qualities myself and that I have to take my chance if I get one.”
As far as when he will break through himself, Rhein is not overly worried about a formal timeline.
“I want to assert myself at FC Bayern. That is my clear goal,” said Rhein. “I don’t care when. I don’t put any pressure on myself. I will do everything to be ready and when my chance comes, I will take it.”
There were plenty of other fun anecdotes from Rhein, including his admiration for Thiago Alcantara, Andrés Iniesta, and Lionel Messi, and also a few good quips on his respective relationship with Bayern Munich assistant coaches Hermann Gerland and Miroslav Klose, which are all available here.
–
