Borussia Dortmund’s New Manager Peter Bosz’ Projected Starting XI
By Aidan Reagh
Peter Bosz has taken over Borussia Dortmund after leading Ajax to a Europa League Final. Being Dutch and being a former manager of Ajax, it is fair to expect a 4-3-3 formation. So how will Borussia Dortmund line up with the current group of players and how will those players be expected to perform?
The Back Line
Bosz’ Dortmund will likely be in a back four that features centre-backs shifting into the fullback role (similar to Veltman becoming a right-back for Ajax). Roman Burki will stay as the starting goalkeeper assuming there are no transfers. A back line could feature Matthias Ginter on the right, Toprak and Sokratis center, and Raphael Guerreiro on the left.
The Back Line: Players in the Mix
Some players will have to battle for a spot next season. Notable players who would have to earn a starting spot would include Lukasz Piszczek, Sven Bender, Marc Bartra, and Marcel Schmelzer. New arrival Dan-Axel Zagadou is likely not ready for senior first team football and the same goes for young German fullback Felix Passlack.
Middle of the Park
Bosz featured a 3-man midfield in Amsterdam, one as an attacking midfielder and two as center midfielders. However, one of the center midfielders (Klassen or Ziyech) went up frequently alongside the attacking mid.
Julian Weigl will likely be the defensive minded option in the midfield. New transfer Mahmoud Dahoud will be the more attacking counterpart beside Weigl. If he is match fit, Mario Gotze will be the attacking mid. If Gotze is unavailable, it is very likely that Shinji Kagawa fills the void.
Middle of the Park: Players in the Mix
Fan favorite Nuri Sahin and veteran Gonzalo Castro will likely backup Weigl and Dahoud, with Mikel Merino also an option that Bosz may favor.
The Attack
Moving up the pitch to the attack, some speculation comes into play. If Aubameyang stays, he will be starting up top. If he goes, it would likely be Marco Reus who slides to a central role. Ousmane Dembele has the right flank job comfortably and is a lock to start in his second season at Dormtund.
The left side is the interesting spot. Marco Reus would have the left wing if Auba stays, but if Auba goes, it could either go to Christian Pulisic or Maximilian Philipp, assuming Philipp arrives as reported.
The Attack: Players in the Mix
Promising talents Emre Mor and Alexander Isak are also likely catching the eye of Bosz, but will have a serious fight to try and win minutes.
Who Could be Frozen Out?
Fullbacks Joo-Ho Park and Erik Durm just do not seem to be the type of defenders that Bosz would use, nor are they good enough to leave him with no choice. Sebastian Rode is unfortunately in a crowded midfield that does not particularly cater to his style.
Also, Andre Schurrle is in a sticky spot as a capable veteran in a crowded (and young) left flank under a manager that prefers youth. If Andre Schurrle ever gets fully-fit, the 26-year-old World Cup winner could earn a starting spot on the left wing.
So What is the XI?
GK: Roman Burki
Defense: Matthias Ginter, Omer Toprak, Sokratis, Raphael Guerreiro
Midfield: Mahmoud Dahoud, Julian Weigl, Mario Gotze (Shinji Kagawa)
Attack: Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marco Reus), Marco Reus (Christian Pulisic or Maximilian Philipp)
Who Does That Leave in the Depth?
GK: Roman Weidenfeller, Hendrik Bonmann
Defense: Sven Bender, Marc Bartra, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Felix Passlack, Lukasz Piszczek, Marcel Schmelzer
Midfield: Gonzalo Castro, Mikel Merino
Attack: Emre Mor, Alexander Isak
Where Might Peter Bosz Look to Add?
Bosz may be looking to bring in another young midfielder to work as depth alongside Castro and Merino in the case of injuries that are sure to happen. A goalkeeper to understudy Burki would also seem likely.
Bosz is coming into a Dortmund side that can quickly adapt to his style without the need of too much work to stay competitive, but an exciting summer is surely ahead.