The 2022/23 season almost, almost, delivered the Bundesliga title to Borussia Dortmund, but a severe case of choking on the final day meant Die Schwarzgelben’s wait goes on.
They last won the German title in 2012, since when they have been runners up to FC Bayern on seven occasions. The Bundesliga 2023 betting odds heavily favoured Dortmund to break the sequence but the Bavarians snatched the 2023 title from BVB’s grip with a 2-1 win away to Cologne on the final day. Even that wouldn’t have been enough had Edin Terzic’s side managed to beat Mainz in their last game, but they drew 2-2 as Niklas Sule scored an equaliser on 96 minutes, leaving only 60 seconds for Dortmund to get a priceless winner.
So they weren’t far away from glory and many of the players who excelled last season will remain for the oncoming campaign; but there will be some tweaks with some big names leaving and, quite possibly, a high profile incoming.
Unless Terzic makes a move for an established defender, I expect the back five to come from his current squad, with keeper Gregor Kobel still with three years left on his contract and an impressive campaign behind him. In front of him, Niklas Sule improved throughout the season and partnered 34 year old Mats Hummels in the latter stages. 23-year-old centre back Nico Schlotterbeck came with a big reputation following his switch from SC Freiburg but he suffered from inconsistency at times, but another year under his belt should see him iron the mistakes out.
The experienced Nico Schulz will be the first choice at left back, while Norwegian right back Julian Ryerson made that position his own after his January transfer from Union Berlin.
Terzic is making room in his squad, particularly in midfield where Jude Belllingham has already gone and he will be joined through the exit door by Mahmoud Dahoud and Raphael Guerreiro. And 20 year old winger Giovanni Reyna is up for sale after an injury plagued campaign and BVB will entertain offers of around 20m Euros for the USA star.
Die Schwarzgelben have been linked with a number of midfielders, the biggest name being that of Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan who is out of contract this summer. The midfielder was a popular player at the Signal Iduna Park before he moved to the Etihad in 2016, where he has scored 44 goals in 188 games and picked up five Premier League titles; and he helped his team win the treble this season, scoring twice in the FA Cup final win over Manchester United and Sky Blues fans would be sorry to see him go. But Gundogan would be welcomed home with open arms by the Yellow Wall fans and is a proven midfield general. Talks are still ongoing in Manchester but if Gundogan does make a move then it might well be back home.
With the attacking duo of Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi both supporting BVB’s strikers in scintillating style, Terzic will be in the market for a defensive midfielder. There are reports in the French press that 23-year-old Lyon midfielder Maxence Caqueret is on the Dortmunders’ radar and the France under 21 international would be a good addition. He’s a calm and skillful ball player with good reading of the game and would ideally suit a diamond formation, or a role just behind a flexible Gundogan.
The versatile Marius Wolf looks like he’ll be staying in Dortmund ad he can provide cover at right back or in the midfield.
One of the big Bundesliga 2023 news stories was the return from successful cancer treatment of striker Sebastien Haller and he will surely lead the line again after a brilliant return, scoring nine goals, He would have been a Golden Boot contender should he have played a full campaign Haller will be a shoe in after returning to his very best form in the title run in.
The choice of a number ten alongside Haller falls between the vastly experienced Marc Reus and young Netherlands forward Donyell Malan. Reus has scored 114 goals in 268 games for Die Schwarzgelben and as club captain, he will have a big rile to play. But Terzic will use the 34 year old carefully.
So this is the SBOTOP team’s view of how BVB may well line up on the first day of the 2023/24 campaign. It’s a strong side which will push FC Bayern all the way again…but can they go tat big step further?
Gregor Kobel: Goalkeeper
Nico Schulz: Left back
Nico Schlotterbeck: Centre back
Niklas Sule: Centre back
Julian Ryerson: Right back
Maxence Caqueret: Defensive midfield
Ilkay Gundogan : Midfield
Julian Brandt: Attacking midfield
Karim Adeyemi: Attacking midfield
Marco Reus: Number Ten Sebastien Haller: Striker
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
