Müller shows no signs of slowing as assists pile up

Dishing out goal assists faster than his famous quick-witted responses these days, the ten-time Bundesliga title winner is streets ahead of his rivals in the standings, having laid on 16 goals for his grateful Bayern teammates so far this term.

The 32-year-old - who recently surpassed 400 German top-flight appearances for the Bavarians - looks certain to beat his 2019-20 season high, and Bundesliga best, 21 assists this time around. Since making his senior Bayern bow back in 2008, Müller has only been bettered by Lionel Messi in terms of setting up goals in Europe's top five leagues. Yet what is it that keeps one of Bayern's most vociferous on-field personalities going?

Watch: Thomas Müller: Mr. FC Bayern

"It's about wanting to win every game," the man known as Space Invader - or Raumdeuter - once said. "That feeling of happiness when winning, of being better, that's what gives you the kick," he added. "Unfortunately, that kick doesn't last very long - and that's why you try to get it again and again. That's the secret of this hunger, which is still there."

That hunger has lead to Müller providing at least 15 assists every season for the last three years and it could also deliver an 11th Meisterschale with his club come the end of this campaign, a feat never before achieved by an individual. Becoming the Bundesliga's most successful player ever would be an apt reward for a man who brings so much joy not just to Germany's top division, but to the many who have played alongside him in his nearly 14 years as a senior pro.

"I've had so many great teammates - and still do," Müller said. "They make it easier for me to put my name on the list of titles... we have a great team every year."

A key part to Bayern's greatness during a spectacular and ongoing playing career, the Bavaria native has become famed for his dependability, remaining, as he has, largely injury free over the years. That crucial ability to provide in-game leadership is also a side to Müller that has been allowed to develop under various Bayern bosses.

"It's not just about the fact that nine-and-a-half times out of ten he gets his on-field coaching absolutely right - given he has an extremely good tactical sense and understands things - it's that he also brings out a certain [extra] in players," current Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann said.

Germany coach Hansi Flick steered Müller to a Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB Cup treble in 2019/20 and was equally praiseworthy of his international forward, saying: "Thomas is a phenomenon for me. He doesn't always do everything right in the game, but for a coach, he brings you significantly more moments of joy than moments where you get upset with him."

So much so, in fact, that Müller provided more assists for club and country in 2021 than any other player in Europe's top-five leagues per UEFA coefficient, tallying 36 in 60 outings.

By far and away the leading assist provider (64) in terms of European leagues over the past three-and-a-half seasons, the end appears nowhere near in sight yet for the Bundesliga icon, with Flick perhaps best summarising a player lauded the world over.

"There will never be anyone like him again," the Germany tactician insisted. "You often can't grasp his style of play, but he's always positive, has the energy of an 18-year-old and encourages all his teammates."