Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Combined XI

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 18:  Manuel Neuer of Bayern Muenchen looks dejected during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final second leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Bayern Muenchen at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 18, 2017 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The world’s greatest goalkeeper tag remains with Manuel Neuer

Defenders

RB: Philipp Lahm

MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 28:  Philipp Lahm of FC Bayern Muenchen runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between Club Atletico de Madrid and FC Bayern Muenchen at Vicente Calderon Stadium on September 28, 2016 in Madrid, Spain.  (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Lahm in action against Atletico Madrid

Soon-to-retire German footballing legend Philipp Lahm will head into his final 'Der Klassiker' this Wednesday after an illustrious career that has seen him achieve unprecedented success over Bayern's rivals.

Even at the age of 32, Lahm continues to show his world-class ability which leaves many questioning his decision to retire. Lahm isn’t having his best season, nonetheless, the player still boasts a passing ratio of 90% over the course of the season. Staggeringly, Lahm has only made one defensive error all campaign that has led to an opposition attempt on goal.

CB: Jerome Boateng

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 08: Jerome Boateng of Bayern Muenchen saves a ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at Allianz Arena on April 8, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images Fuer MAN)
Boateng prevented Aubameyang from scoring in April

Jerome Boateng has become the linchpin of this Bayern Munich side, catapulting himself into the top hierarchy of centre-backs in world football. The German international has been a fundamental factor in the Bavarian giant's success in recent years, and his physicality and athletic frame ensure forwards find it difficult to get past the former Manchester City defender.

Boateng remains arguably the strongest and most powerful centre-back in the Bundesliga and is deserving of his place on the team. Despite not having his strongest campaign due to injuries, his talent is visible. An 87% passing accuracy, nine clean sheets, and a 46% aerial duel win rate guarantee his place on the side.


CB: Mats Hummels

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 01:  Mats Hummels of Bayern Muenchen heads clear during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between PSV Eindhoven and FC Bayern Muenchen at Philips Stadion on November 1, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Mats Hummels getting his head to the ball against PSV

Former Borussia Dortmund defender, and captain, Mats Hummels made the controversial switch across Germany to follow Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski by joining Bayern Munich. The 29-year-old defender was the inspiration behind Dortmund's recent success, and it didn't come as a surprise when Europe's top clubs came calling for his signature.

Sokratis is a name worthy of being mentioned, however, at this moment in time, Hummels remains head and shoulders above everyone else in the league in terms of intelligence, leadership, and awareness. Hummels has won more duels than any other player in German football this campaign – 88%. In fact, Bayern have only conceded 13 goals when he's started.

LB: David Alaba

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 01: David Alaba of Bayern Muenchen (R) looks on during the UEFA Champions League Group D match between PSV Eindhoven and FC Bayern Muenchen at Philips Stadion on November 1, 2016 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.  (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Alaba is considered by many as the best left-back in world football

This isn't going to be a case of choosing eleven Bayern Munich players. However, it's very difficult to deny Ancelotti's back-five is arguably the most sought after in world football.

David Alaba is considered by many people as the world's best left-back. The Austrian defender is one of the few full-backs in the modern game capable of defending and attacking in equal measure.

Alaba is already the most successful Austrian footballer in the German League, and he's still only 24-years-old. Five Bundesliga titles, four domestic cups and two European trophies will take some overtaking in the future and he simply walks into this combined 11.

Quick Links