Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck has reportedly been named as the club's best player in the Bundesliga last season.
According to BuLi news, the German centre-back received five votes from its team of writers to win the honor.
The 26-year-old was among the key players for the BVB in their strong league finish that ended with their highest position since 2023 and most points gained in seven years.
After two difficult years, Dortmund were able to steady their ship under Niko Kovac, whose first full-season in-charge promised so much.
They also managed to give champions Bayern Munich a real chase for most of the league season before a late implosion preponed their coronation.
Much of Die Borussen's success was down to a stoic defense of which Schlotterbeck was an indelible part of. He played 28 games in the Bundesliga, completing 90 minutes on every occasion.
It's a testament to just how vital the defender is to their fortunes, making a statement with his authoritative physical presence and exemplary game-reading ability.
Highly reliable at building offensive plays from the back, Schlotterbeck has completed 88% of his passing accuracy while making a staggering 127 clearances.
The German international, who is currently away with his national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, also ranked 24th in the Bundesliga for 293 duels won.
At 6ft 3in, Schlotterbeck boasts a towering stature that allows his to dominate aerials while also posing an offensive threat in set-pieces.
Interestingly, he finished as the defender with the joint-highest number of goals alongside teammate Ramy Bensebaini with five, three of which came from corners and free-kicks.
Although the BVB vice-captain had his fare share of ups and downs, it was still a season to remember for him; one that etches his name among the best defenders in Europe right now.
However, players like Serhou Guirassy and Julian Ryerson also had strong claims to the best player honor for a series of fine inidividual displays throughout the league phase.
Although his form tapered off midway through the season before repcaturing his mojo during the home stretch of the campaign, Guirassy managed 22 goals for the BVB in all competitions.
His tally of 17 in the Bundesliga was topped by only two other players but more importantly, many of Guirassy's strikes came during crucial stages of a game that won them several points.
As for Ryerson, the Norwegian ace was their chief supplier of crosses while exhibiting fine set-piece deliveries. It resulted in his career-best return of 18 assists, 15 of which came in the league.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel's consistency means the Swiss custodian would also have been a good choice for the best player award; he kept a league-high of 15 clean sheets.
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