Roundtable: Borussia Dortmund 2018/19 season preview

Tushar Bahl

What would constitute a successful season for Borussia Dortmund?

I believe that in order to have a successful season, Borussia Dortmund must win a trophy. It is unlikely that they will win the league this season, but anything other than second place will be a disappointment. As for the trophy, Dortmund should go all out to win the DFB-Pokal and if they drop out in the Champions League group stages, they should give the Europa League a real go.

Dortmund have a very capable manager in Lucien Favre, and he a very talented squad at his disposal. If the club are able to sign a striker, expectations will increase. But at the moment, winning a trophy and finishing second would make it a successful season for the club.

Dortmund’s most important signing?

The easy answer would be Axel Witsel but I believe that Abdou Diallo will prove to be Borussia Dortmund’s most important signing of the summer. He has shown in preseason that he is a solid defender and he can form a defensive partnership with Manuel Akanji for years to come. He is calm, composed, good on the ball and isn’t afraid of making a tackle.

After seeing Sokratis struggle for Arsenal, the decision to replace him with Akanji is looking like a masterstroke by the BVB bosses.

Dortmund’s most important player?

I believe that Marco Reus will be Borussia Dortmund’s most important player this season and he may have to carry the team at times. Reus is Dortmund’s talisman and has stepped up time and time again. Its great to see him fit and ready for the new season. And having been given the responsibility of being captain, he will be hoping to have a great season.

The lack of goals is the only problem Dortmund have on paper. They have some of the most talented technical players in the league but there is no one to finish those chances. And Reus may have to score the bulk of the goals if Dortmund are to compete this season.