Borussia Dortmund squad depth analysis and 2021/22 preview
The Defence
Borussia Dortmund looked chaotic and wobbly in defence at times last season, lacking the stability of a consistent line-up. But the hope will be that things can change with a more proactive approach under Marco Rose this season.
Manuel Akanji is coming off an impressive second half of last season, that saw him become a pivotal player in the BVB backline. He continued his fine form with strong performances for the Switzerland national team at Euro 2020. And the hope will be that he can play a key role in the heart of the Dortmund defence this season, alongside the ever reliable Mats Hummels.
Mats Hummels remains the unrivalled leader in the BVB defence. He is the one of the team’s most consistent performers and provides the kind of stability BVB has long needed in the middle of the defence. Hummels and Akanji will be BVB’s first choice defensive duo this season.
Dan-Axel Zagadou will be hoping to play an important role this season after struggling with injuries over the last two seasons. The Frenchman has great talent, but his proneness to injuries has affected his development in recent months. Borussia Dortmund have signed another talented young defender this summer in Soumaila Coulibaly. The 17-year-old arrives from PSG on a free transfer, and he will be aiming to play a role for the first team this season.
Like Zagadou, Coulibaly is currently out with an injury. And that has really limited Borussia Dortmund’s available options at centre-back. Emre Can is also capable of playing in the role, but he is prone to making elementary mistakes at times and has rarely looked comfortable defending inside the box. As former coach Jürgen Klopp said ‘Can is the right man for the job at BVB,’ but that job is in defensive midfield, a position where he looks decisively more comfortable than in the back-line.
U-23s defender Antonios Papadopoulos is another option. He has already made two appearances for the first-team this season. And with new signings unlikely, he could be given more opportunities in the team. Another defender in the squad is Nnamdi Collins, who is rated very highly at the club. Collins is set to make his professional debut this season. And he will be one to watch in the coming years.
Borussia Dortmund’s strongest defensive asset remains Raphael Guerreiro. Simply put the Portuguese international is one of the best wing-backs in world football. Arguably even better running the line, Guerriero has an exceptional eye as to when to get forward. He is an indispensable part of the team when fit. And he will certainly have a key role to play under Marco Rose this season.
Another option at left-back is Nico Schulz, who has failed to make much of an impression since his move from TSG Hoffenheim. He is free to leave the club this summer, but no offers have arrived yet. Schulz has made an impressive start to the season though, showing encouraging moments at left-back in the opening two games.
With Mateu Morey expected to miss the majority of the season due to the serious knee injury he sustained against Holstein Kiel in the DFB Pokal semi-final last season, Borussia Dortmund are also light at right-back.
Thomas Meunier will be Borussia Dortmund’s first choice right back this season. He has a lot of improving to do, having failed to impress in his first season at the club. Felix Passlack will be the second choice right-back behind Meunier. An additional option at right-back is Marius Wolf, who has spent last season out on loan at 1.FC Köln. He is capable of playing both at right-back and further forward. But like Schulz, he is free this summer to leave if an offer arrives.
Marco Rose’s biggest challenge in defence will be to find a consistent line-up and bring some stability to defence. And if he can make Borussia Dortmund defensively better organised, their chances of winning the Bundesliga title will increase manifold.