As the Bundesliga season reaches its conclusion, we will be taking a look at some of this campaign’s standout players. These individuals have been difference makes for their clubs, making an impact on a weekly basis. We’ve chosen the 4-2-3-1 formation and these are the players who have made the LWOF Bundesliga Team of the Season.
The LWOF Bundesliga Team of the Season
Goalkeeper – Péter Gulácsi
This season’s most consistent shot-stopper, RB Leipzig’s Péter Gulácsi has been superb. Leading the league in clean sheets and save percentage, the former Liverpool keeper continues to play a crucial role for Die Bullen. Conceding a league-low 27 goals this season, Leipzig are sitting in a comfortable third place. Yet to miss a game this season, the 29-year-old has been the league’s standout keeper, a keeper who is only just entering his prime.
Right-Back – Joshua Kimmich
A star for Bayern Munich and Germany, Joshua Kimmich has established himself as the world’s best right-back. Capable of playing in defence and midfield, the 24-year-old has been a key player for manager Niko Kovač. Contributing an outstanding 12 assists in the Bundesliga, Kimmich, a right-back, is only behind Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. Playing every minute of every league game this season, the former Stuttgart man has been a consistent contributor at both ends of the pitch.
Centre-Backs – Niklas Süle and Willi Orban
The pillar of Bayern’s back four, Niklas Süle has been the club’s best centre-back this season. Outperforming Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng, the 24-year old is now an ever-present in the team. Comfortable on the ball, the former Hoffenheim man has completed 95% of his passes this season, putting him ahead of teammate Thiago. Süle is only improving and the colossal German has become Bayern’s defensive leader.
RB Leipzig have been strong defensively this season and as we mentioned earlier, Gulácsi has played his role, but every keeper needs quality in front of them. Fellow Hungarian Willi Orban is Leipzig’s captain and defensive anchor. Ranking third in the league in aerial duels won, the 26-year-old has won 131 battles in the air. Dominating at the defensive end, the former Kaiserslautern youth product has also contributed four league goals. Orban has played a key role in Leipzig’s defensive success, as the club continues to make progress.
Left-Back – Nico Schulz
Breaking into the German national team, Hoffenheim’s Nico Schulz has impressed many this season. Contributing one goal and six assists in 29 league games, the former Hertha Berlin youth product has played a key role for Julian Nagelsmann. Usually deployed as a left wing-back, the 26-year-old is a tireless worker, known for making good runs and creating chances. A good crosser of the ball, Schulz ranks third in crosses completed from open play, completing 108 so far this season. Hoffenheim face a battle to keep the talented German this summer, as clubs like Borussia Dortmund hope to lure him away.
Holding Midfielders – Axel Witsel and Thiago
Arguably the signing of the season, Axel Witsel has been a difference maker for Borussia Dortmund this season. Seeing a lot of the ball, the Belgian midfielder has received possession 2,589 times, which is top five in the league. A smart, economical player, the former Benfica man doesn’t waste possession. Completing 94% of his passes this season, the 30-year-old is a vital member of Dortmund’s midfield. Contributing four goals and one assist, Witsel has been a game-changing signing, helping his new club mount a title challenge.
A key member of the Bayern midfield, Thiago has been his usual world-class self this season. Bringing leadership, creativity and smarts to the team, the former Barcelona man has been superb. Contributing two goals and six assists in 28 games, the Spaniard is thriving under Kovač. Completing 93% of his passes, Thiago rarely gives the ball away, making him a valuable member of Bayern’s midfield. Just like Witsel, Thiago sees a lot of the ball. Receiving possession 2,743 times, the 28-year-old is composed, playing the game at his own pace. A joy to watch, Thiago does all of the little things well, someone Bayern can build around moving forward.
Wingers – Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus
A revelation in the Dortmund team this season, Jadon Sancho can do it all. Leading the league in assists, the former Watford youth product has been sensational. Contributing 11 goals and 17 assists in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old is now the Bundesliga’s most valuable player, according to Transfermarkt. The talented Englishman also ranks top three in the league in sprints, completing 975 this season. Sancho’s impact stretches beyond the pitch, as his influence on other English talents is invaluable. A teenage trailblazer and a star in the making.
Now, Marco Reus is listed as a winger, but that’s just so we could get him in the team. Playing primarily as a number ten, Reus influences the game in many ways. Effectively playing as a Raumdeuter, a role made famous by Thomas Müller, Reus is allowed to roam. Contributing 16 goals and 11 assists this season, the soon to be 30-year-old is arguably the Bundesliga Player of the Year. Now the club captain, Reus has embraced his new role. Last season saw Borussia Dortmund finish 29 points behind rivals Bayern Munich. This season, with just two games to play, Dortmund are only four points behind. Reus has played a crucial role.
Attacking Midfield – Kai Havertz
Bayer Leverkusen have had two managers, several formation changes and a season full of ups and downs. Only one thing has stayed the same; Kai Havertz. The teenager has thrived in any system he’s played in and he’s been effective under both managers. Contributing 15 goals and four assists this season, Havertz has been key to the club’s recovery. Involved in 30% of the teams league goals, the German international has made an impact all over the pitch. The Aachen-born midfielder is top five in both distance covered and intensive runs. Havertz is a versatile, hard-working player, who is slowly becoming a deadly dual-threat going forward.
Striker – Robert Lewandowski
The Bundesliga Team of the Season wouldn’t be complete without a complete striker. Robert Lewandowski leads the league in goals scored and shots taken. Contributing 22 goals and 10 assists in 31 games, the Polish striker is the epitome of consistency. Involved in 38% of his team’s league goals, the 30-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. As the club prepares to offer the prolific Pole a new deal, it’s clear Lewandowski’s dominant spell at Bayern isn’t ending anytime soon.
Bundesliga Team of the Season Reserves
Goalkeepers – Roman Bürki
Defenders – Danny Da Costa, Makoto Hasebe, Manuel Akanji, Marcel Halstenberg
Midfielders – Julian Brandt, Filip Kostic, Davy Klaassen, Kerem Demirbay
Forwards – Paco Alcacer, Luka Jovic, Max Kruse
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