Borussia Dortmund completed their 47-game campaign under coach Niko Kovac with mixed results, securing 28 victories and 10 defeats across all competitions. The Westphalians finished second in the Bundesliga but suffered early exits from the Champions League and DFB-Pokal, leaving their season incomplete despite solid domestic performance.
Standout Performers and Disappointments
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel delivered a world-class campaign, keeping 18 clean sheets across 47 matches while shipping just 57 goals. His penalty shootout heroics against Frankfurt showcased his tournament pedigree, though an unnecessary pass contributed to complications in their final matches. Meanwhile, Karim Adeyemi endured a troubling season, failing to meet expectations despite being deployed as a key attacking weapon in the front four.
Samuele Inacio, the young Italian defender, emerged as an unexpected revelation. The 20-year-old broke into the team through injuries, scored on his fourth Bundesliga appearance, and earned his first professional contract. His intelligent positioning and composure on the ball hinted at a bright future, even if he occasionally required tactical guidance from partner Waldemar Anton.
Midfield and Wing Contributions
The squad's attacking support came from unexpected sources. Julian Brandt provided a career-best 18 assists despite failing to score, with 15 coming in the Bundesliga—trailing only Bayern Munich's Michael Olise (22) and Luis Diaz (17) across Germany's top division. His tireless work rate compensated for occasional defensive vulnerabilities in European competitions. Anton emerged as Dortmund's true defensive anchor, logging the second-most minutes and delivering relentless tackling and positional awareness that overshadowed returning centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
- Gregor Kobel: 18 clean sheets, 57 goals conceded in 47 matches
- Julian Brandt: 18 assists (15 in Bundesliga)
- Nico Schlotterbeck: Five goals—a personal best for the defender
- Samuele Inacio: Breakthrough season earning contract extension
- Waldemar Anton: Defensive linchpin with second-most squad minutes
Loaned Chelsea defender Anselmino impressed during his stint before the club's winter buy-back clause triggered an early departure, denying Dortmund continuity in their backline. Rayan Bensebaini stabilized at left-back after settling into German football, combining technical quality with improved defensive discipline. The squad's inconsistency reflected broader issues—injuries to key players like skipper Emre Can, who missed months and battled form fluctuations before curtailing his season early, created a disjointed rhythm throughout the campaign. As Dortmund plans their summer recruitment, strengthening attacking depth and maintaining defensive solidity will determine whether they mount a serious title challenge next season.
