Borussia Dortmund have few reasons to keep their heads high after the facile 1-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday, among which was Waldemar Anton.
Captaining his side on the day, the German international stood tall in the face of an avalanche of Bodo attacks and was perhaps the only BVB star who didn't deserve to end up on the losing side.
Much has been made of Nico Schlotterbeck and him being the leader of their defense. But in his absence, Anton rose to the fore and showed who's the real boss.
He tracked back every time Bodo were aiming to build offensive plays from out wide and looked robust in the face of pressure, making three interceptions, five clearances and blocking two shots too.
With six tackles attempted, Anton constantly engaged Bodo's forwards. For the longest time, he made sure their territorial dominance wasn't translated into more goalscoring opportunities as Dortmund were on the edge.
The best moment of his game arrived shortly after the break, when Anton intervened at the last minute to prevent Jens Petter Hauge from attempting a clear shot at goal, as the BVB centre-back showed excellent vigilance, composure and anticipation to make the challenge, saving Dortmund's beacon although Bodo managed to find their goal shortly after but with no fault of Anton.
His work-rate was exemplary on the night. Because off the ball too, the 30-year-old kept biting at the heels of rival players for possession, looking to disrupt their passing game. He attempted 11 ground duels and won eight, while also demonstrating his aerial prowess by winning three of his four duels as Anton was the best Dortmund player in physical contests too.
There's been news that Dortmund are planning to extend his contract and performances like these show exactly why the club is keen to tie him down to a long-term future with the Signal Iduna Park outfit.
Since joining from VfB Stuttgart in 2024, Anton has quickly established himself in the side and become a cornerstone of their defensive structure. He's also managed to keep himself fit while being consistent throughout as the German is simply indispensable to the side right now. Even though he doesn't offer goalscoring threat like Schlotterbeck does, Anton makes up for that with his steadiness and reliability in defense.
As Dortmund navigate a punishing marathon of games this month, the defender's interventions will remain vital.
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