Ranking the 5 best players in the Bundesliga in 2021

If there's anything we've learned about the Bundesliga so far in 2021, it's that the division houses world-class players galore. Some of them have achieved stunning exploits in the competition in the last twelve months.

For instance, Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski came out on top in the race for the European Golden Shoe. He also finished as the runner-up in the Ballon d'Or 2021 race. Similarly, Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland finished as the Champions League's top scorer last season with ten goals, showcasing the quality of the Bundesliga in European football too.

The two players have been making headlines with their exploits in the German top flight since the beginning of the year. However, other players have also made their name in the division during this period. Without further ado, here's a look at the top five players in the Bundesliga in 2021:

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#5 Patrik Schick

The striker has taken his game to another level this season.

Patrik Schick joined Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and he has wasted no time in making his impact felt in the Bundesliga. He bagged nine goals and two assists in the German top flight during the campaign, helping his club finish sixth in the Bundesliga.

This season, though, Patrik Schick has taken his game to a whole new level. The Czech Republic forward has been a thorn in the side of opposition defences, tearing them apart and scoring consistently for his side.

So far, Schick has recorded an impressive 16 goals and three assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances. Quite impressively, he has scored against many top-rated teams, including Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach.

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#4 Florian Wirtz

Arguably the best midfielder in the Bundesliga right now

When it comes to rating the best midfielders in the Bundesliga in 2021, only a few can compare with Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz. The German has been a great joy to watch, thanks to his commanding displays from the centre off the pitch.

Wirtz dazzled in the German top flight last season, recording five goals and six assists in 29 appearances. This term, he has already bagged five goals and eight assists. Apart from his goal contributions, his ability to connect the dots and raise the level of his team makes the German a special player.

#3 Thomas Muller

Bayern Munich superstar and Bundesliga giant Thomas Muller is one of the most underrated players in the world. The German international never stops running riot in the Bundesliga, but he rarely gets the plaudits he deserves.

It goes without mentioning that 2021 has been another incredible year for the 32-year-old in the Bundesliga. Muller played a key role in Bayern Munich's title triumph last season, contributing 11 goals and 21 assists in 32 games.

The German has shown no signs of slowing down this season too. In 17 Bundesliga appearances so far, he has bagged five goals and 15 assists. Only time will tell how many more goal contributions he bags before the season runs out.

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#2 Erling Haaland

At just 21, Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has established himself among the most potent goalscorers in the Bundesliga.

With 27 goals and eight assists in 28 games, the Norwegian finished third on the list of the Bundesliga's scoring charts last season. Only Andre Silva (28) and Robert Lewandowski (41) scored more league goals than him during the campaign.

Erling Haaland has also fired on all cylinders this term. The 21-year-old has enjoyed another prolific start to the season, scoring 13 times and setting up another five in 11 Bundesliga games thus far.

It's worth mentioning that Haaland missed six games due to injury. However, he has returned with a bang, scoring five goals in his last five appearances.

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#1 Robert Lewandowski

There's no one to rival Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski at the top of the Bundesliga's best players' list in 2021. The Polish forward has been in a class of his own since the beginning of the year, and has refused to slow down.

His return of 41 goals in 29 league appearances last season won him the Bundesliga top scorer award and the European Golden Shoe. Thanks to his explosive start to the new campaign, Lewandowski currently leads the race for both awards, and is well placed to win them once again.

So far, the Bayern Munich sharpshooter has racked up 19 goals and one assist in 17 games in the German top flight. It remains to be seen how many more he will add to his tally before the season runs out.