Borussia Dortmund squad depth analysis: Defenders and Goalkeepers

Gregor Kobel

Gregor Kobel is entering his second season at Borussia Dortmund, and it’s safe to say that he is one of the team’s most important players. Brought in from Stuttgart last summer to replace Roman Bürki, Kobel had a tough first season as BVB allowed a disappointing 52 goals in the Bundesliga. Kobel only maintained eleven clean sheets in 40 games last season. But he still stood out despite the team’s defensive woes.

Kobel has started the new season with several impressive starts, making crucial saves against dangerous opponents like Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin to keep several important clean sheets. He is playing like he has a chip on his shoulder and seems determined to put last season’s terrible defensive record behind him.

Alexander Meyer

With the departures of Roman Bürki and Marwin Hitz, Borussia Dortmund secured the signing of Alexander Meyer from second tier side SSV Jahn Regensburg. Meyer has spent the majority of his career playing in the second and third tiers of German football, sandwiching a couple of years in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

Meyer’s signing was purely to give Borussia Dortmund depth in goal. He will serve as the second option between the posts this season, and we could expect to see him feature in some cup matches throughout the year.

Marcel Lotka

Another fresh addition to the Borussia Dortmund squad is Marcel Lotka. After a relatively lengthy transfer saga with Hertha Berlin over his transfer, Dortmund finally secured their man after agreeing to include a sell-on clause.

Lotka’s purchase was again intended to provide depth for BVB. He has started the year playing in goal for the U-23s team in the 3. Liga, and he will more than likely spend the majority of the season there, with perhaps some cameo appearances on the bench in cup ties. The 21 year old has a very bright future ahead of him though, and it will be interesting to see what BVB’s plans are with him.

Luca Unbehaun

Luca Unbehaun has been with Borussia Dortmund since 2016, when he came over from Bochum’s U-17s team. Since then, he has made a total of 142 competitive appearances for the U-17, U-19, and U-23 teams.

Although once rated very highly, Unbehaun has never quite been able to crack into the first-team.  He has gotten off to a tough start this season with Borussia Dortmund II, so far allowing seven goals in only three starts. The BVB brass have not given up on him yet, however, as Unbehaun signed a one-year extension in February that will carry his contract until the summer of 2023.

He will remain with the U-23s for the season and will attempt to secure a long-term future either at BVB or at another club.