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Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed an impressive run in the 2018-19 Bundesliga season as Lucian Favre’s side is firmly in position to win the title. Dortmund are at the top of the table with 50 points and will be looking to carry on with the momentum. Dortmund’s biggest win came against German giants Bayern Munich in November which gave the players a sense of belief that they can beat any side if they play to their capabilities.
Dortmund have looked an improved side since the last 5 to 6 seasons and some have pointed out that current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp played a big role in changing the side’s fortunes. Current manager Lucian Favre and the team management too have done a good job as they have allowed the players to play much more freely.
Dortmund have looked the most consistent side in the entire campaign in every department. The players are enjoying Lucian Favre's confidence and the team is looking in decent shape to finish the season on a positive note. Lucian Favre has made some clever changes in the entire campaign in the team’s formations depending upon the opponents which have benefitted the team.
Borussia Dortmund drew 3-3 yesterday against Hoffenheim but Lucian Favre will be optimistic about his side's chances in the upcoming games. Dortmund have looked quite strong in defense which has made them a dangerous outfit. Lucian Favre had once stated that his players need to be consistent to be considered one of the best sides in Europe.
Borussia Dortmund have got a perfect mix of youth and experience which makes them a balanced outfit. Their current form could act as a morale booster ahead of their Champions League matches. Altogether Dortmund have got some very exciting players in their camp who can outperform any opponent on their day.
We take a look at 5 such players who have played a crucial role for the side in the ongoing season.
#1 Marco Reus
The German has added a lot of pace in this Borussia Dortmund outfit as the 29-year-old can play as a forward as well as an attacking midfielder. Marco Reus has produced some gritty performances in the ongoing season and the midfielder will be the core of the midfield in the months going ahead.
Marco Reus has outrun the opposition’s defense with his creative moves and his accelerating pace. The midfielder’s creativity has been a boon for the side as the 29-year-old has the knack of creating chances with his smart moves and can be dangerous inside the box because of his outstanding finishes.
Marco Reus’s partnership with midfielders Mario Goetze and Axel Witsel has been a crucial factor for Lucian Favre's side. Reus has floored the best defenses with his quick counter attacks.
Reus has already scored 13 goals in 19 Bundesliga games in the 2018-19 season with 9 assists to his name. Marco Reus is an experienced campaigner with vast experience of playing in the Bundesliga and his presence in the dugout has been helpful for the younger players in the squad.
#2 Jadon Sancho
The teenage sensation from England made his mark with some terrific performances in the 2017 under-17 World Cup in India which was won by England. The 18-year-old has been inducted in the side as Borussia Dortmund need fresh legs in the forward line as Christian Pulisic left Borussia Dortmund for Chelsea in January.
The striker has surely added a lot of pace in the forward line and has outclassed the rival's defense with his accelerating pace. Sancho is also a clever operator during set pieces and has worked well at the flanks. His combination with Paco Alcacer, Maximilian Philipp and Marcus Wolf has been crucial for Borussia Dortmund in the forward line.
Keeping his age in mind, Sancho has enough time in his hands to grow as a player. He can gain some valuable inputs by playing alongside some experienced campaigners. Sancho has scored 6 goals in 20 Bundesliga games in the ongoing season with 10 assists to his name.
#3 Paco Alcacer
The former Barcelona player has made an impression with some promising performances. Paco Alcacer has been loaned to Borussia Dortmund from Barcelona this season and his arrival has added a much-needed bite in the forward line.
The 25-year-old has notched up 12 goals in 15 Bundesliga matches he has played in the current season. The Spaniard has been a key figure for Borussia Dortmund in the 2018-19 season and his coordination with the midfield has been a crucial factor.
The striker has the ability to score goals with his electric runs and can be a threat with his fast counter-attacks. He is equally good in moving in goal scoring positions and has been a poacher inside the box because of his deadly finishes.
Alcacer can create problems for any defense with his fearless runs. Alcacer has surely been an impact player and his presence will be vital for the team in the upcoming Champions League matches too.
#4 Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has been the mainstay of Borussia Dortmund’s defense along with Lucaszk Piszeck. The duo has been instrumental to the side’s success. The Moroccan has looked sharp during aerial duels. The 20-year-old has got enough time in his hand to establish himself on the big stage.
The defender has looked solid with his intelligent interceptions and has been successful while operating at the flanks. Hakimi can also be used as an attacking option because of his ability to move in the opposition’s territory with his deceptive moves and speed.
Hakimi has also shown his ability to counter the rivals with his brave tackles. The former Real Madrid player has also displayed his efficiency during set pieces.
Hakimi has also contributed with 2 goals in 16 Bundesliga games in the ongoing season with 4 assists to his name. Hakimi is considered one of the best defenders in Bundesliga.
#5 Axel Witsel
After an eventful run in last year’s World Cup, Axel Witsel has looked in good shape for Borussia Dortmund. The Belgian has been a vital cog in Dortmund’s campaign as the midfielder is capable of circulating the ball with his innovative moves and steady passing.
The 29-year-old made a switchover to the Bundesliga this season after playing for the Chinese club Tianjin Quanjian in the last season. The former Benfica player is a smart mover and has baffled the opposition’s defense with his creative dribbles.
Witsel is a busy player on the field and has teamed up quite well with the likes of Marco Reus and Mario Goetze in the midfield especially against teams who are defensively stronger.
Although Witsel has only scored 3 goals in 18 Bundesliga games this season, the Belgian has been a tricky opponent because of his ability to create chances inside the box.
