Bayern Munich reward Maicon Cardoso’s bright pre-season with Asian tour call-up

Maicon Cardoso has emerged as one of the leading beneficiaries of Bayern Munich’s opening pre-season phase, with his energy, physical effort and attacking displays earning praise from manager Vincent Kompany.

The 17-year-old Brazilian also impressed during Bayern’s 15-0 friendly victory over Rottach-Egern on Thursday, according to German newspaper Bild.

Cardoso’s performances have strengthened his claim for a more permanent place around Bayern Munich’s first-team squad during the coming season. His commitment in training and his contribution in the friendly have now been rewarded with selection for the club’s Asian tour.

The teenager could be given an opportunity to feature in further friendlies during the trip, with his prospects of earning a role in Bayern’s senior team expected to become clearer once the tour has concluded.

Dante, who coaches Bayern Munich’s second team, has been particularly impressed by Cardoso’s attitude and intensity. He said the young forward consistently gives maximum effort, although his enthusiasm has occasionally needed to be managed.

“Maicon gives everything he has, always, always. I even had to stop him once and tell him that he should not run at full speed all the time. He is always motivated and focused, and he is always thinking about the next ball. That is a wonderful quality. Thanks to his mentality, he is a role model for our team.”

Cardoso’s progress has come during the first stage of Bayern Munich’s preparations for the new campaign, where he has made an impression through both his approach to training and his attacking activity.

His inclusion in the squad for the Asian tour represents an important next step, although it does not guarantee a regular first-team role. The matches on the trip should provide further evidence for Kompany and the coaching staff as they assess whether Cardoso is ready to contribute at senior level.

For now, the Brazilian has used the opening part of pre-season to raise his profile within the club. His performances have attracted attention from the first-team management, while his work with Bayern Munich’s second team has also earned strong recognition from Dante.

The extent of Cardoso’s involvement during the Asian tour will be closely watched. After Bayern return, the club will have a clearer understanding of whether the teenager can secure a role with the first team for the new season.