The Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 all started their seasons last week, as fans all over the world cheered—and jeered—the return of the football season. Bundesliga die-hards, however, are yet to see their favourite teams in action as Germany’s top flight has yet to usher in a new season.
Well, their long wait will soon be over as Bundesliga will finally be opening its doors this weekend, with defending champions Bayer Leverkusen facing Borussia Monchengladbach away from home.
The obvious storyline will be about Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. Many will wonder just how long they can keep their unbeaten run, and will they be able to defend the Meisterschale and the DFB-Pokal? Or will Bayern reclaim their rightful spot?
Another point of discussion is the players. And in a stacked league, there are plenty of talismans we can talk about.
So, without rambling any further, we at SBOTOP introduce you to matchday one’s brightest stars.
Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
There aren’t enough superlatives in the world when talking about one of the best young talents in football, Florian Wirtz. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder produced a stellar campaign en route to winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
A player who can facilitate, attack and defend is a good indicator of a world-class footballer. But being able to do all those things at a high level is a feature only a select few in the sport possess.
Wirtz finished last season with 18 goals and 19 assists in all competitions. His vision and playmaking allowed Die Werkself to have a noticeable advantage as the number 10 carved the opposing defences.
In the Bundesliga, Wirtz completed a league-leading 41 one-two’s in the last season, whilst possessing an 89 per cent success rate on passes completed from five to 15 yards.
Unlike some stars who possess tactical brilliance but fail to bring the same intensity on the other end, Wirtz was a workhorse. Covering an average of 12.3 kilometres and 33 sprints per game, he is in the Bundesliga’s top five in both categories.
And with him staying for another year, despite the mouth-watering offers from Europe’s biggest clubs, do not be surprised if Xabi Alonso’s side will do wonders once more.
Leverkusen will travel to Monchengladbach for their opening match, and barring any injuries or anything unusual, expect Wirtz to dominate the opposing side in a convincing manner.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
One of the most prolific strikers this generation has ever seen, Bayern’s Harry Kane is hell-bent on winning his first major trophy. With well over 400 goals in his career, I still see it as a crime that Kane has yet to lift a single silverware in his professional career.
After his move to Bayern Munich last season—the most dominant club in Germany—fans and pundits alike thought that his trophy drought was now a thing of the past.
However, he was dealt fate’s cruel hand for the nth time when Leverkusen swept the domestic season, and Die Roten exited the Champions League after conceding two late goals against Real Madrid in the semi-final. But even if the England international had no silverware to show for in his first season in Munich, he has proven that he remains one of the world’s best goalscorers.
He netted 44 goals (36 in the league) and 12 assists in all competitions, winning the Torjagerkanone and the European Golden Shoe in the same year.
With Kane up front, surrounded by immense talent hungry to take the trophy back to Bavaria, the Bundesliga 2024 odds have swung in their favour, touting them to oust Leverkusen at the top.
Bayern will open their 2024/25 campaign on Sunday against Wolfsburg, where Kane will look to provide a whole lot of Bundesliga 2024 highlights.
Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)
Last season marked the end of an era for Die Borussen. After 12 years of service, club legend Marco Reus has finally left Dortmund. At the same time, Mats Hummels, yet another long-time club servant, has made his second departure at the club.
That leaves the 28-year-old Brandt the longest-tenured player in the Dortmund locker room.
Just like he did at Leverkusen, he now has swapped his old number 19 kit for a number 10. And when you wear a jersey with that number on your back, there will be heavy responsibilities to be put on your shoulders.
He is not Marco Reus—no one will be like him. However, Dortmund fans are hopeful that Brandt will be the team’s next big thing. The midfielder finished last year with 10 goals and 14 assists in all competitions—his third straight season of finishing with double digits in goals and assists. Dortmund will face Eintracht Frankfurt for their season opener on Sunday, and it would be wise to expect a masterclass performance from their new number 10.
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