What is Borussia Dortmund’s ideal XI for this season?

By Tushar Bahl | Jul 16, 2019

DORTMUND, GERMANY - AUGUST 03: Jadon Malik Sancho of Borussia Dortmund, Nico Schulz of Borussia Dortmund, Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, Julian Weigl of Borussia Dortmund, Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund, Paco Alcacer of Borussia Dortmund and Raphael Guerreiro of Borussia Dortmund celebrate during the DFL Supercup 2019 match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bayern Muenchen at Signal Iduna Park on August 3, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

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MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – MAY 18: Manuel Akanji of Borussia Dortmund controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on May 18, 2019 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Centre Back: Manuel Akanji

Borussia Dortmund have so many talented defenders in their ranks, and it will be interesting to see who gets the nod to start. It’s highly unlikely that Mats Hummels has been brought in to sit on the bench, so the question is who will start alongside him at centre back.

Manuel Akanji enjoyed yet another impressive campaign last season and showed that he has all the tools to become a world-class centre back. He is quick, consistent, comfortable with the ball at his feet and is both technically and tactically skilled. He reads the game well, is a natural leader and is strong both physically and mentally.

Akanji is still only 23 and will only get better from here. He can form quite a formidable partnership in the heart of defense alongside Hummels. And the two could bring the best out of each other this season.

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