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Opinion: Borussia Dortmund’s ideal XI for the 2023/24 season

By Eli Brand

DORTMUND - Borussia Dortmund players thank the supporters during the friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 6, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. AP | Dutch Height | GERRIT OF COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
DORTMUND - Borussia Dortmund players thank the supporters during the friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 6, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. AP | Dutch Height | GERRIT OF COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) /
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DORTMUND – Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund during the friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 6, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. AP | Dutch Height | GERRIT OF COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
DORTMUND – Sebastien Haller of Borussia Dortmund during the friendly match between Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam at Signal Iduna Park on August 6, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany. AP | Dutch Height | GERRIT OF COLOGNE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) /

Striker: Sébastien Haller

Sébastien Haller has conquered cancer and as he returns to full fitness he will look to bring Dortmund’s attack to the next level. Haller in just his first half season back was at a .67 combined expected assists and expected goals output. Haller’s 9 goals and 3 assists are still excellent output for any player.

This year we can likely expect more from a player who finished top ten in the Ballon D’or the season before signing with Dortmund. Haller was world class at Ajax and he will look to return to that level this season.

Haller adds an elite aerial and physical presence to this Dortmund side, winning attacking headers and long balls. The Ivory Coast international also has unbelievable technique and touch to control passes that are slightly off target. Haller is also a capable creator and should see his excellent attacking numbers improve. Haller’s performances to date are a culmination of a significant amount of minutes during which he had yet to recover his above average  speed and endurance, which inevitably diminished his attacking output.

Next. Borussia Dortmund’s All-Time Best XI. dark

Haller’s 2022/2023 campaign is a testament to his mental strength, tactical awareness and elite technical ability, despite the adversity he faced. A full season of Haller is Dortmund’s could well be one of the core ingredients that lead the club to yet another taste of long awaited silverware.