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After coming within touching distance of domestic glory last season, Borussia Dortmund fell desperately short as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title on the final match-day of the season by two points.
Having topped the table for long periods, Dortmund let their lead slip and were made to pay as the Bavarians capitalized on the opportunity to seal a record-breaking seventh domestic title on the bounce.
In an attempt to set things right and mount another title challenge, Borussia Dortmund has had a strong transfer window.
Although Abdou Diallo left the club to join Paris Saint Germain, the likes of Julian Brandt, Nico Schulz, Thorgan Hazard, Mats Hummels and Mateu Morey have been signed as Dortmund look to bridge the gap between themselves and Bayern Munich.
Although it could be argued that the attacking talent currently at their disposal is as good as any team in the division, the Dortmund rear-guard have come under scrutiny in recent seasons but with the return of Mats Hummels, Lucien Favre's men will look to tighten things up at the back.
That said, let's look at how the Black and Yellows could line-up at the back for the forthcoming season.
Lukasz Piszczek - Right Back
Lukasz Piszczek was been one of the most reliable performers for Borussia Dortmund over the years and despite his injury problems, the Polish international is expected to begin the season as an undisputed starter.
The 34-year-old is at the twilight of his career but he proved that he's still got a lot left in him as he amassed 20 appearances despite having a stop-start season owing to injuries.
The Pole is one of the senior players in the squad and knows what it's like to win trophies, as he was part of the Dortmund side that dethroned Bayern Munich and won back to back Bundesliga titles between 2010 and 2012.
Piszczek is one of the few surviving members from the Jurgen Klopp's title-winning side and he'll add some much-needed experience to the Dortmund side.
Mats Hummels - Center back
Mats Hummels' journey in the Bundesliga has been quite something. After rising through the ranks at Bayern Munich, the World Cup winner was snapped by Borussia Dortmund, initially on loan and he went on to make a name for himself as one of the best in the business.
After swapping Dortmund for Bayern three seasons ago, the former German international's completed a cycle of sorts by returning to Die Borussen this summer as Lucien Favre wanted to add experience to his back-line.
The former club captain fondly remembers his time at the club and will look to hit the ground running immediately in order to get one over his former employers Bayern Munich, as Dortmund covet domestic glory that has eluded them for seven years now.
Hummels' consistency and leadership qualities will ease Dortmund's defensive woes and his calmness on the ball could help facilitate attacks from the back, making him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Manuel Akanji - Center back
Manuel Akanji has seen his stock rise dramatically in the past 18 months. The Swiss defender was on the books of Basel and despite interest from Liverpool, the exciting center-half rejected advances from England in favor of a move to Germany and his decision has been vindicated, to say the least.
The 23-year-old has become one of Dortmund's most reliable performers at the heart of the defence and has established himself as a central figure for his national team.
Since joining the German club, the likes of Diallo, Zagadou and Toprak have all partnered Akanji but Dortmund's could finally have the long-term stability that they've long craved for, with Akanji partnering Hummels at the heart of the defence.
Akanji could form a formidable partnership alongside a seasoned veteran like Hummels and the German international could bring the best out of him as Dortmund look to dethrone Bayern Munich at the Bundesliga summit.
#4 Nico Schulz - Left-back
After making a name for himself as one of the best left-backs in the country under Julian Naglesmann, Nico Schulz swapped Hoffenheim for Dortmund this summer for a fee believed to be in the region of €30 million.
The German international has sealed the left-back spot for his country in the long run and Dortmund did not hesitate to part with a sizable sum to acquire his services.
Schulz is a perfect modern-day full-back as he makes useful contributions on both sides of the pitch.
Raphael Guerreiro and Marcel Schmelzer have struggled with injuries in recent seasons and Schulz's signing will come as a welcome boost as Dortmund look to sort out the left-flank for years to come.
With the addition of Schulz and Hummels, the Black and Yellows have added youth and experience to their rear-guard and solid defence will enable them to mount another title challenge.
