Vincent Kompany’s tactical vision for Bayern Munich is beginning to take shape, and the versatile deployment of Nicolas Jackson is one of the clearest indicators of his flexible, reactive approach. Jackson, recently signed from Chelsea, is being earmarked as a multi-functional forward who can operate across the entire attacking line. According to TZ München, Kompany plans to use Jackson not only as a backup for Harry Kane but also as a wide attacker and a second striker. This level of adaptability gives Bayern a dynamic edge that they sorely lacked in the early matches of the season.
One of the key tactical shifts under Kompany is a move toward a more fluid front line, capable of adjusting to both the flow of the match and the strengths or weaknesses of opponents. In the first few games of the season, Bayern often appeared rigid and predictable, lacking the kind of offensive spontaneity that can turn tight matches in their favor. Jackson’s profile—quick, strong, direct, and aggressive in his pressing—provides a new set of tools for Kompany to work with.
As a central striker, Jackson is expected to offer a different interpretation of the No. 9 role than Harry Kane. While Kane is a world-class finisher with an exceptional passing range, Jackson’s strength lies in his verticality, off-the-ball movement, and ability to stretch defenses. Against high lines or when chasing a game, Jackson could offer the kind of explosive forward option that Bayern hasn’t had since the days of a younger Robert Lewandowski.
On the wings, Jackson presents an alternative to Luis Díaz and Michael Olise—both technically gifted, creative wingers who prefer to cut inside and influence the game with the ball at their feet. Jackson, on the other hand, provides directness and physicality. His ability to beat defenders with pace and power can be especially valuable in transition or late in matches when defenders are tired. He’s not necessarily a traditional winger, but Kompany appears to value unpredictability and physical mismatches in wide areas.
Perhaps most intriguing is Kompany’s idea of using Jackson as a second striker, particularly alongside a player like Serge Gnabry. While Gnabry is more of a hybrid winger-forward with sharp movement and a strong finishing touch, Jackson could complement him with his athleticism and ability to occupy defenders. This kind of partnership could be used against teams that sit deep, offering Bayern a dual threat that combines finesse and force.
Ultimately, Jackson’s role isn’t to be the undisputed starter in any one position but rather to be a problem-solver—someone Kompany can turn to depending on the match context. This makes him a strategic asset more than a conventional starter. With five substitutions allowed in most competitions, having someone like Jackson on the bench or rotating in different roles allows Bayern to be much more reactive, which was a missing element earlier in the campaign.
Kompany’s tactical flexibility, supported by Jackson’s versatility, suggests Bayern will be much harder to read—and much harder to stop—as the season progresses.
