Thomas Tuchel’s Borussia Dortmund were expected to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title but a topsy-turvy form has been them squabbling for a top four spot in the table. In this article, we will check out the top three players who have done well for the somewhat dire Dortmund team this season.
3. Raphael Guerreiro
One of Dortmund’s eight summer signings, Guerreiro made an instant impact on Dortmund after impressing with the Portuguese national team in European champions. Generally a left back by trade, the 22-year-old had to play down several positions for Thomas Tuchel’s team due to their injury crisis.
That, however, opened the door for Guerriero to a stamp on the team with his impressive performances playing as a left midfielder, sometimes a central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder. In fact, manager Thomas Tuchel himself has admitted that he was unaware of the versatility of the Portuguese international. In his eight Bundesliga games so far, Guerreiro has already scored two goals and provided three assists for the team.
Due to the injury of vice-captain and left back Marcel Schmelzer, the 22-year-old was seen going back to his customary left back position. Guerreiro’s versatility and skill on the ball coupled with a football mind like a sponge hand Thomas Tuchel a series of options for his team. There’s no doubt that Guerreiro’s wide range of skill sets provides him with positional flexibility. A left back some three months ago, he has turned into an answer for any situation on the field. If fit, the Portuguese youngster can achieve great things with BVB.
2. Julian Weigl
Like many of Dortmund’s youngsters, Julian Weigl’s rise to the top has been rapid as well. The 21-year-old midfielder used to be the captain of the lowly second division club 1860 Munich before being signed by Thomas Tuchel last summer.
One year gone, and we can probably say Weigl is currently Germany’s one of biggest footballing assets at the moment. Exceptional on the ball, Weigl is a calm and composed customer who likes to be the hub of the midfield. Distributing play, and bridging the gap between the defense and the attack while maintaining a tremendous passing accuracy of 91%. Julian Weigl is easily the best passer in the Dortmund team and has completed the second most passes in the league, trailing his teammate by just two passes for the first spot.
The departures of key buildup players such as Ilkay Gundogan and Mats Hummels has left Weigl with an extra burden in terms of Dortmund’s build up play but Weigl seems to be relishing the situation and it’s clearly evident that the 21-year old German international is keen to add some extra dimensions to his game. Recently, Weigl scored his first ever goal in senior football when he sweetly slotted the ball past Rui Patricio from a fairly long distance out.
1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has once again proved to be Dortmund’s go to man this season. The Gabonese International has been a real bargain for the Black and Yellows since moving from Saint-Etienne in 2013. Scoring 87 competitive goals in 152 competitive matches, Auba is now one of Borussia Dortmund’s top scorers of all time!!
It has been no exception this season, with Aubameyang already netting fourteen goals in as many games for BVB this campaign. He is currently the joint leading goalscorer in the Bundesliga along with Anthony Modeste with eleven goals each while he is on a three-match scoring streak in the Champions League.
The Gabonese international was rewarded with a place in the Ballon D’Or nominees for 2016 for his amazing performances for Dortmund over the past few years. From an AC Milan reject to becoming one of Europe’s best forwards, Aubameyang story to the top has been truly magnificent and we can expect some more goals as players like Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle are set to come back from injury to set up goals for the Gabon frontman.
