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Roundtable: Borussia Dortmund 2018/19 season preview

By BVB Buzz Staff

BAD RAGAZ, SWITERZLAND - AUGUST 03:Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a test match against Stade Rennes as part of the training camp on August 03, 2018 in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)
BAD RAGAZ, SWITERZLAND - AUGUST 03:Lukasz Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a test match against Stade Rennes as part of the training camp on August 03, 2018 in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /
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12 August 2018, Germany, Essen: Football, test matches, Borussia Dortmund – Lazio Rome. Dortmund’s Mario Goetze. Photo: Marius Becker/dpa (Photo by Marius Becker/picture alliance via Getty Images)
12 August 2018, Germany, Essen: Football, test matches, Borussia Dortmund – Lazio Rome. Dortmund’s Mario Goetze. Photo: Marius Becker/dpa (Photo by Marius Becker/picture alliance via Getty Images) /

Jorge Alessandro (@BorussiaPassion)

It will also be the first sight of a newly re-structured Dortmund under new manager Lucien Favre. There are many high expectations after a successful pre-season.  Only time will tell if the boys manage to live up to the hype.

What would constitute a successful season for Borussia Dortmund?

Save. This. Prediction. The Black and Yellows will lift a trophy by the end of this season… Although we are yet to see Favre’s tactics in a competitive tie, we can make an educated guess based on two crucial factors. First, the defensive duo of Manuel Akanji and Abdou Diallo was impressive during the pre-season matches. Stability at the back is what Dortmund have lacked in recent years and there’s a real chance the issue will finally be solved this season.

Second, our main rivals in domestic competitions are also undergoing interesting changes. A new manager, ageing wingers, and the recent departure of Arturo Vidal could represent key opportunities for shortening the gap between both clubs. Plus, if we add the fact that Dortmund could possibly bring on a new striker, then the chances for silverware can increase significantly. We #BVBelieve!

Dortmund’s most important signing?

New season, new faces. This summer, the team introduced seven new faces (so far) into the squad (six transfers, one loan). Meant to be improvements rather than only replacements, these new players have enough to make all of us excited.

But there’s one particular signing that has painted a big smile on our faces. Yes, you guessed it: Axel Witsel. The Belgian international has arrived from Tianjin Quanjian for an undisclosed fee. Witsel enjoyed an excellent summer after finishing in 3rd place of the World Cup 2018 with the ‘Red Devils’. His experience and quality makes him a superb signing and is one massive upgrade in the midfield.

Dortmund’s most important player?

Dortmund’s prodigal son, Mario Götze is entering his third season after his return from rivals Bayern München in 2016. Since his return, we have seen sparks of the great football he showcased earlier in this decade. Unfortunately, injuries and a metabolic disorder have prevented Götze from being a regular on the football pitch.

Many doubt he can ever return to his once golden form. Fortunately for Borussia Dortmund, the man who gave Germany the World Cup in 2014 is fully fit and ready for the start of this new campaign. He had a solid pre-season and looked sharp when in possession of the ball. He is ready to prove his worth just as he had done before.

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