By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Jan 22 (Xinhua) -- Unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, Aleksandar Pavlovic responded in the same understated manner that has come to define his rise.
"I've always been a player who stays calm and doesn't feel the pressure," the 21-year-old midfielder said after Bayern Munich's 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the UEFA Champions League. "I'm calm on the ball and can slow the game down."
"It's always been that way, and I think it will stay that way," he added, noting that he does not enjoy too much attention.
Often operating in the shadow of Bayern's star names, including Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz, the Germany international has quietly become indispensable in midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich.
Pavlovic completed 150 passes that found their target, a club record in the Champions League, according to data provider OptaFranz. Only five of his 155 attempts went astray, and he led all players in ball contacts with 164 over 90 minutes.
Beyond the numbers, Pavlovic dictated Bayern's structure and tempo, effectively acting as an on-field organizer from deep midfield.
His emergence was unexpected. Promoted to the first team in 2023 as Bayern searched for a holding midfielder under then-coach Thomas Tuchel, Pavlovic seized his opportunity and never relinquished it.
That rise has carried him into Germany's national team, where he has already established himself as a regular under coach Julian Nagelsmann ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While breaking into a settled system earlier in his career may have eased the transition, Pavlovic is now considered one of Bayern's core players. His influence contrasts with the flair of Kane, Olise and Diaz, but his efficiency has become just as valuable.
His resume continues to grow, with more than 80 competitive appearances for Bayern and nine international caps. His style remains defined by awareness and discipline, constantly scanning the field and anticipating danger.
Despite his growing status in Germany and in his family's countries of origin, Pavlovic says he remains uncomfortable with excessive praise. He points to a difficult path shaped by injuries and illness, including glandular fever and a shoulder fracture.
"I don't feel special, and the word celebrity doesn't apply to me," he said. "I was raised to stay grounded."
He added that simple gestures still matter. "Being friendly and greeting people should be normal. Everyone should do that."
"He makes things look easy," said Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl, praising Pavlovic's efficiency, as the midfielder responded with a shy smile. ■
