Mats Hummels proving that he is still a key player for Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels has made himself undroppable at Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels’ defensive qualities have been crucial over the years for Borussia Dortmund. But even at the age of 34, he has managed to make himself an indispensable part of the team and one of the first names on the team-sheet.

If Borussia Dortmund are to somehow challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title once again this season, Hummels will have a crucial role to play. His defensive attributes, accurate long balls, and occasional goals are everything you need from a modern-day centre-back.

While Borussia Dortmund have centre-backs with more pace and faster reaction times like Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, the experience Hummels brings to the back-line also helps bring out the best in his teammates. The Black and Yellows have looked a lot more assured and composed in defence and in possession with Hummels in the team so far this season, much like the first half of last season.

Mats Hummels’ tackling and aerial ability are brilliant and his accurate long balls are outstanding. According to FBRef, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner is in the 94th and 93rd percentile for attempted and progressive passes respectively in the top five leagues.

His 3.12 tackles per 90 minutes put him in the 98th percentile for that statistic. Add to that Hummels’ 4.46 clearances and 1.43 interceptions per 90 minutes, and it is easy to see why Borussia Dortmund look so much more assured defensively with him in the team.