Borussia Dortmund 2019/20 Player Ratings: Goalkeepers and Defenders

Lukasz Pisczek (7.5/10)

Lukasz Piszczek had another excellent season in defence and was rock-solid, especially after the turn of the year. The 35 year old once again was a crucial part of Dortmund’s defence this season. He didn’t have the best first half of the season, and had to settle for a spot on the bench more often than not.

However when Dortmund switched to a back three, his season changed completely. He fit the right side centre-back position perfectly, and it allowed him to impact the game on a significantly higher level without exposing him too much to opposing attackers. Piszczek will now be 35 to start the next season, which is set to be his last. Either way, Piszczek is proving his quality right to the very end as he is still capable of playing at the highest level.

Manuel Akanji (5.5/10)

Akanji had a poor first half of the season, making several costly and high profile errors. He looked short of confidence, and was dropped in favour of Lukasz Piszczek in February. Before the lockdown, it looked like the writing was on the wall for his Borussia Dortmund career.

But after Dan Axel Zagadou injured himself just before the restart, Manuel Akanji stepped up and took his chance well to put on a string of solid defensive displays for his side.

It wasn’t enough to help Borussia Dortmund win the Bundesliga title, but it showed that he can be counted on to make the impact many thought he would at the start of the season.

Leonardo Balerdi (4.5/10)

Balerdi was largely limited to playing for the U-23s in the first half of the season. He did get more of a chance after the restart in May, but most of his appearances came off the bench. He made his first start on the final day of the season against Hoffenheim. And he did not have the best of games, as he looked nervous and bereft of any confidence right from the start.

Of course, every Dortmund player played poorly against Hoffenheim. But that performance will have done little to convince Lucien Favre or Michael Zorc that Balerdi can be counted on to be a regular starter for the Black and Yellows.

Marcel Schmelzer (N/R)

Schmelzer only spent an hour on the pitch this season across eight appearances. He did not do much wrong in any of his appearances off the bench, and notched up a goal and assist against Paderborn.