Look at dribbling numbers that i found for the 15/16 season. Both Costa and Coman attempt one dribble more a game than Ribery and Robben. Their numbers are on par with those of Robbery in the 2009/10 season. They both tend to feint inside, then use their speed to get around the outside of the defender and look for one of the strikers inside the box. As defences figured out to have a second defender covering on the outside, the success rate of these dribbles took a dip in the second half of the season. Furthermore, especially Costa’s crosses seemed to be ill-advised from time to time. This is an area where both players need to improve in the future. Müller, meanwhile, isn’t able to produce such a high dribbling rate. This is not only caused by his playing style but also because he spends a lot of time in a more central positon.

The stats show that both Costa and Coman can contribute to a team, but in a different way than Ribery and Robben did and still do. More crosses and fewer shots – these are the main conclusions to draw here. With all four wingers healthy, we are definitely a tough side to prepare for, for every opponent, because each of them has their individual strengths. Robben with his shots and will to score, Ribery with lots of assisted shots and dribbles towards the centre of the field, Costa with electric dribbles out wide and fierce crosses when lined up on the left, but also nice shots from outside of the box when lined up on the right, Coman with blistering pace and enormous potential, and lastly Müller who’s everywhere at all times. Both Costa and Coman will, however, have to develop a lot before they can take the role of Robbery, especially on the European stage,and i think this is going to happen this season.