Benjamin Henrichs challenges Ridle Baku at RB Leipzig

Benjamin Henrichs is putting pressure on Ridle Baku in RB Leipzig’s battle for the right-back position ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga trip to Bayer Leverkusen.

Baku currently appears to have the advantage after earning a place in the Germany squad, but Henrichs has made his case strongly. The 29-year-old started Leipzig’s 5-0 victory over Hamburg and delivered a convincing performance, reminding coach Martin Demichelis that he remains a reliable option.

“He is an important player, not only when he starts, but for the whole group. We need him. That is why he deserves to start as well. He played a good game against Hamburg and is putting pressure on Baku,” Demichelis said.

The Leipzig coach believes competition between the two defenders can benefit the entire team. “I would like to have competition like this not only at right-back, but in every position, with two equally good players,” he added.

Demichelis has not revealed who will start at Leverkusen. Henrichs, however, knows the opposition well, having developed in Leverkusen’s academy and played for the senior team between 2015 and 2018.

His experience could count in a closely contested selection decision.