Analyzing Borussia Dortmund's Strongest Starting XI

Analyzing Borussia Dortmund’s Strongest Starting XI

GUANGZHOU, CHINA - JULY 18: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates a goal with Christian Pulisic and Nuri Sahin during the 2017 International Champions Cup football match between AC milan and Borussia Dortmund at University Town Sports Centre Stadium on July 18, 2017 in Guangzhou, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /

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WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 20: Marcel Schmelzer of Dortmund holds a bottle after the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Dortmund at Volkswagen Arena on September 21, 2016 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images For MAN) /

Marcel Schmelzer

Oh captain my captain!

This may come as a surprise to some. There are many out there who would peg Raphael Guerreiro as Dortmund’s starting left-back. However, as much as I like the Portuguese international, he just isn’t quite at his best in the left-back position. He seems more suited to a midfield role on the left side.

Marcel Schmelzer is a defensive wall, and has been described by me and many others as a workhorse. He is a traditional full-back with industrious qualities. The 29-year old is also lethal when he gets the ball in the final third, and has an eye for crossing into the box.

Schmelzer takes the cake ahead of Guerreiro, and I think he should be included in Bosz’s starting eleven for the left-back position.

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