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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 – Julian Brandt 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 – Julian Brandt 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) /

Central Attacking Midfield: Julian Brandt

Julian Brandt’s stunning campaign last season with 9 goals and 8 assists was incredible. While according to Fbref Brandt overperformed his xG by .12 he underperformed his xAG by .04. Brandt’s .32 expected assists per 90 rank in the 89th percentile of attacking wingers and midfielders.

What makes Brandt so impressive is his ability to help with things in the midfield while maintaining an attacking impetus. Brandt’s 1.6 tackles and interceptions are average for an attacker. But where Brandt stands out as his 4.6 progressive passes per 90 higher than teammate Emre Can who plays as the deepest midfield distributor.

Brandt has now put together the best two season stretch of his career with back to back campaigns with 17 league goal contributions. Having fully taken over the attacking midfield position from club legend Marco Reus, Brandt will look to go one step farther this season.