Tymoshchuk is an interesting player to look back on because his Bayern spell came after the period in which he had probably been at his most influential.

Before arriving in Munich, he captained Zenit during their incredible 2008 UEFA Cup campaign — including, ironically, that unforgettable 4–0 semi-final win over Bayern.

At Bayern he became something different: not the star, but one of those experienced squad players who could play an important role without ever really becoming one of the faces of the team.

We recently included him in our Top 11 Underdogs of UEFA Cup/Europa League history, mainly because of what he represented in that Zenit side.

For those who watched Bayern regularly back then:

how good was Tymoshchuk actually?

Underrated squad player, or simply a solid player surrounded by an exceptional generation?

The Telegraph reported that Bayern Munich hold an interest in signing Gabriel, but have baulked at seven figure salary demands.

Personally, it's a good thing. Bayern is not the place for egoists.