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The Bundesliga has been a one-horse race for a while, with Bayern Munich dominating in the last decade.
But there are several other aspects of the league that more than make up for rather dull title races. The race for the Champions League spots is always exciting in the German top flight, and the battle for survival is equally nail-biting.
There have been several managerial changes this summer, so expect even more drama, especially at the end of the season. The Bundesliga has a good mix of young and experienced players. So without further ado, let’s take a look at five such players to watch out for this season:
#5 Stevan Jovetic (Hertha Berlin)
Stevan Jovetic moved to Hertha Berlin earlier in the summer on a free transfer after his contract with Monaco expired. The Montenegrin’s career nosedived after his spell at Manchester City. So even a move to an arguably less competitive league - Ligue 1 - didn’t pan out too well for him.
The Bundesliga, however, could suit Jovetic. Although it’s a lot quicker than Serie A, where Jovetic had the most successful spell of his career, the forward’s strengths could help Hertha Berlin and manager Pal Dardai this season.
Hertha had a disappointing 2020-21 Bundesliga campaign, as they barely avoided the drop. The capital club are expected to give Jovetic more playing time, and he should benefit from playing a bigger role for the Bundesliga team than he did for Monaco.
Jovetic was in impressive form during preseason, and is definitely one of the players to watch out for in the Bundesliga this season.
#4 Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Dayot Upamecano is Bayern Munich’s most expensive acquisition this summer, with the Frenchman seen as a replacement for David Alaba.
Last season, the 22-year-old formed a solid partnership with the likes of Willi Orban and Ibrahima Konate at RB Leipzig, with the latter too also moving on from the Bundesliga club.
Both Konate and Upamecano are defenders with impressive potential, and the latter is expected to hit the ground running at Bayern Munich.
Upamecano is not only a towering presence at the back, but his ability to play the ball out from the back also makes him stand out among his peers. The important thing is that Upamecano will continue to play under Julian Nagelsmann, who has arrived from Leipzig as Bayern's new manager.
#3 Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Florian Wirtz stepped up for Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen after they sold Kai Havertz. Despite being just 18, he is expected to be an integral part of the team.
The teenager is one of the most talented players in his position. He will have added responsibility on his shoulders this season after the club sold Demarai Gray and Leon Bailey - two of their attacking players.
Wirtz played with plenty of verve in the attacking midfield role last season, managing five goals and six assists.
Despite his tender years, he will want to impress new Germany boss Hansi Flick with some consistent displays this season.
#2 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Robert Lewandowski was on fire last season, scoring 41 times to break the record for most goals in a Bundesliga season.
Lewandowski’s role is not expected to change despite the arrival of Julian Nagelsmann. Although Nagelsmann’s system differs from that of former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick, Lewandowski is expected to be the centre-piece of the team's attack once again.
Bayern Munich have lost a few experienced players in Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba this summer. So Lewandowski’s role will be key in the dressing room this campaign.
The 32-year-old is chasing a fifth successive Golden Boot in the German top flight. Considering how he fared with Poland at Euro 2020, expect him to come out all guns blazing once again.
#1 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Haaland has dominated transfer news this summer. But Borussia Dortmund’s massive price tag on him has dissuaded teams from making an approach for the Norwegian starlet.
However, Dortmund know they will not be able to hold on to Haaland for too long, considering the rate at which he is developing. And 2021-22 could well be his final season at the club.
Haaland scored an impressive 27 Bundesliga goals in just 28 games for Dortmund last season, and was third in the list of goal-scorers.
Dortmund will be without Jadon Sancho next season, so they could struggle a bit on the creativity front. That means, more responsibility will fall on the young Haaland’s shoulders. Considering his pedigree, though, he is expected to come out in flying colours once again.
