Kingsley Coman's remarkable rise with Bayern

When Kingsley Coman joined Bayern München on loan on 30 August, the media in Germany pretty much dismissed the move as little more than a hopeful punt. The teenager had potential, for sure, but he had failed to take the next step at Paris Saint-Germain or Juventus, so why now? Six months on and those musings have been consigned to the bin.

Happenstance played a part (doesn't it always?). Perhaps Josep Guardiola always saw the forward as the joker in his pack, but the lengthy absences of Mario Götze, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry forced him to play his hand early. Coman jumped at the chance. He made his debut in the fourth round of Bundesliga fixtures and instantly looked part of the furniture.

Few doubt that Bayern will take their option to make the transfer permanent before his loan ends in 2017.

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Successor to Ribéry
Coman has spoken of his desire to be a "big player like Ribéry" and for many the 19-year-old is the anointed successor to his compatriot – a measure of his meteoric rise. Coman is similarly tricky and agile and has the tools to replicate Ribéry's signature move: dribbling at pace and putting devastating cut-backs into the danger area.

The younger man's finishing needs work and off the pitch he is quiet and reserved – a different beast to the coach-driving, Oliver Kahn dousing prankster Ribéry. But it is with the ball at his feet that Coman's value is measured. Germany boss Joachim Löw is a fan. "He's tough to control because of his speed. It's a special quality to be able to pass a player on both sides."

With Coman breaking into the France setup this season, Löw could end up pitting wits next summer at UEFA EURO 2016.

Coman won his first two caps in November©Getty Images

What is next?
First things first, though. Coman has already played more minutes this season than last. Keeping up the momentum after the winter break will be a challenge, while Ribéry is getting closer and closer to full fitness. That need not spell the end of Coman's run and his lightning pace provides a real weapon for Guardiola against defence-minded opponents.

There is also the exciting prospect of Coman and Ribéry combining forces, of dovetailing in the same attack. How devastating could they be in tandem? Guardiola must be tempted; so must France coach Didier Deschamps.

Coman has had a big six months – the next six could be even bigger.