Borussia Dortmund 2018/2019 Player Ratings: Goalkeepers and Defenders

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MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 06: Dan-Axel Zagadou of Borussia Dortmund and Manuel Akanji of Borussia Dortmund look dejected during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on April 6, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Manuel Akanji (7/10)

Akanji showed great promise after arriving at the club in January 2018. He continued to build on that this season and was largely an impenetrable presence in the heart of the defense. He was solid, robust and dominant during most matches and showed why he is considered to be one of the best young defenders in the world.

Akanji also showed his leadership quality in matches and was entrusted with the armband by Lucien Favre in the absence of Marco Reus and Lukasz Piszczek. Dortmund really missed him when he was injured for two months earlier this year. He did make a couple of sloppy errors towards the end of the season, but overall it was a good season for the Swiss international.

Dan Axel Zagadou (7/10)

Zagadou’s Borussia Dortmund future was in doubt after an uninspiring debut campaign last season. But he proved just how good he can be with his performances this season. The towering centre back showed maturity beyond his years, especially in the first half of the season. His performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League was a prime example of just how good he can be.

Unfortunately, the young Frenchman also proved to be error prone at times, showing his inexperience and costing his side crucial points. But that does not take away from the fact that Zagadou went from on the verge of being sold to becoming an important defender for the team this season. He still has lots improving to do, but he will only get better next season.

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