Borussia Dortmund are heading into the new season with 35-year-old Nuri Sahin as their new manager after Edin Tezic’s resignation following their 2023/2024 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid at Wembley.
BVB will be aiming to make significant improvement on last season’s fifth place Bundesliga finish while also trying to replicate their exploits in the UEFA Champions League.
Soccernet.football takes a look at what Dortmund’s starting XI could look like in the coming season.
Gregor Kobel (GK)
The 26-year-old shot-stopper has established himself as BVB’s first-choice since joining from Stuttgart three years ago. Kobel’s presence provides stability and confidence to the backline so we expect to see him retain his place as Dortmund’s man between the sticks.
Julian Ryerson (RB)
Ryerson’s work rate and consistency was immense for Dortmund last season as they fought their way to the Champions League final. The 26-year-old was one of BVB’s best formers last season, his incredible awareness and ability to contribute to the attack, makes him such an important player for this Dortmund side.
Waldemar Anton (CB)
Dortmund have now added Anton to their defensive ranks after the German enjoyed a stellar 2023/2024 campaign with Stuttgart as he helped them to a second place finish in the Bundesliga. Anton’s strong aerial presence and ability to read the game will certainly boost Dortmund’s defensive solidity in the coming season.
Nico Schlotterbeck (CB)
Schlotterbeck has developed into a top-class defender with his ability to anticipate opposition moves, combined with his physicality and ball-playing skills. The 24-year-old impressed as a central figure in Dortmund’s defense last season and we should see him retain his place in the starting lineup this coming season.
Ramy Bensebaini (LB)
Bensebaini’s dynamic style of play at left-back adds an exciting dimension to Dortmund’s lineup. The 29-year-old’s defensive diligence and ability to cover ground quickly make him a well-rounded full-back who can support both attack and defense.
Emre Can (DM)
Operating as a defensive midfielder, Can’s ability to break up opposition play, distribute the ball efficiently and contribute to the attack when needed makes him a pivotal figure. His experience and leadership on the field will be invaluable for Dortmund’s aspirations in the coming season.
Marcel Sabitzer (CM)
The Austrian’s box-to-box capabilities and knack for scoring important goals added a new dimension to Dortmund’s midfield last season, making him a vital member of this XI. Sabitzer’s excellent passing, long-range shooting and ability to control the game could turn out to be very important for Nuri Sahin’s side in the coming season.
Julian Brandt (AM)
Brandt’s creativity and vision make him a key playmaker in Dortmund’s lineup. The 28-year-old is capable of unlocking defenses with incisive passes, dribbling past opponents and scoring crucial goals from midfield. With the departure of Marco Reus, we expect Brandt to function as Dortmund’s main creative outlet in the coming season.
Donyell Malen (RW)
The Dutch international is widely known for his ability to take on defenders, deliver accurate crosses, and find the back of the net. Malen’s contributions will be crucial for Dortmund in attack and thanks to his versatility, he can also play across the front line, creating room for flexibility upfront.
Karim Adeyemi (LW)
Arguably Dortmund’s most exciting player, Adeyemi’s explosive speed and dribbling ability make him a mouth-watering prospect on the left wing. His knack for cutting inside and scoring goals, combined with his creative playmaking, makes him a vital part of this Dortmund XI.
Serhou Guirassy (CF)
Guirassy is set to become the focal point of Dortmund’s attack after a very prolific 2023/2024 campaign with VFB Stuttgart. His powerful presence in the box, ability to hold up the ball and finish clinically will be on full display at the Signal Iduna Park when the new season commences. The Guinea international’s goal scoring prowess will be essential for Dortmund as they aim to compete at the highest level in the coming season.