Bayern Munich’s fourth goal of the night was special. Jamal Musiala directed a powerful ball in play superbly as Robert Lewandowski passed it past Koen Casteels in the dying minutes of the game. It was his 43rd in 2021, breaking another record previously held by Gerd Muller for most Bundesliga goals scored in a year. The celebrations have been docile on the part of the Bayern players. The game had long been academic.

A splendid night for the Bavarians. Mistakes were rare, the attack fluid. Vintage Bayern once again. Yet despite a goal and an assist under his belt, one man’s contributions have gone criminally unnoticed.

Thomas Muller ignited the debates, a strike from afar from Serge Gnabry was parried by Casteels only until Muller who gave the advantage to the Bavarians.

After a first chance that tested Manuel Neuer, Wolfsburg nodded to the Rekordmeister, hoping to absorb the waves of attack.

While it worked in their favor, it didn’t take long for the sword to turn on them. As Leroy Sane found the ball on the right flanks, the resulting space was capitalized as a one-two with Gnabry allowed him to break through.

The next move, however, would paint a living picture. Sane gives the ball to Muller who faces a mountain of Green and White. In the narrowest margins he found Dayot Upamecano who scored to double Bayern’s advantage. It was clearly sharp, efficient, it was quite “Müller”.

A direct consequence of Bayern’s ways of winning is the time spent trying to break down impregnable defenses. An always complex struggle to get to a point where tactical versatility presents itself as a well-oiled machine. Fortunately for Bayern, the Raumdeuter not only became a science, but found new ways to display his art.

The third goal was the epitome of Thomas. Gnabry looked to move forward with the German midfielder, who deftly turned away, letting the ball drift towards Sane who finished expertly. This showed a clear difference in intention. Forward play isn’t a rarity, but doing it effortlessly with every move, with or without the ball, represents the psyche of a special player in Bayern folklore.

His intelligence allows him to orchestrate the whole camp, accentuating the strength not only of their attack but also of the defensive side. Against Wolfsburg the team shone in unity, but Muller’s catalysis goes behind the scoresheet.

Passion rings true, a meticulous Bavarian at heart. Thomas Muller has served his team effervescently for years, but on nights when the door just doesn’t budge Bayern call on their Raumdeuter to find a way. He always has, always will.