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Winter Review: Borussia Dortmund’s best and worst performers of the season so far

By Reece Edwards

Borussia Dortmund duo Gregor Kobel and Jude Bellingham. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund duo Gregor Kobel and Jude Bellingham. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) /
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Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) /

Mats Hummels

The veteran defender has experienced somewhat of a renaissance in central defense. In fact, so convincing were his performances in the first half of the season that they produced demands from all over Germany for Hansi Flick to include him in the national team flight to Qatar. Ultimately, the decisive call never came, but this certainly fails to diminish the weight of his contributions to BVB.

Sebastian Kehl made a firm and deliberate effort to bolster the heart of the defense last summer with the signings of Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck. Both have been productive, but not with the consistency of Hummels. Through the lens of per-game averages, he is outperforming his German understudies in blocks, interceptions, clearances, and perhaps most importantly, assured composure on the ball. The aftermath of consecutive failures at the World Cup reveals that these attributes were one of the most glaring omissions from the Germany roster.

Despite some inconsistencies from Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck, it is a blessing well received within the walls of the club that they are Hummels’ understudies. There is clearly much to gain from an investment into the mindset of the former World Cup winner and it is in the best interest of all parties to see this investment pursued.