2014/15 Bundesliga Team of the Season
The 2014/15 Bundesliga is all over but the fighting, of which there has been lots. Emir Spahic was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen for head-butting a steward after a cup defeat to Bayern Munich, while Hamburg’s Johan Djorou and Valon Behrami went at it during half-time in their match with Wolfsburg.
Those were unsavoury incidents in what has been another madcap season in Germany both on and off the field. Managers came and went, little Augsburg qualified for Europe against the odds while the giants of Dortmund and Hamburg lumbered in the lower reaches of the table, the latter requiring a playoff with Karlsruhe to avoid relegation.
It was, of course, won again by Bayern Munich, this time by a margin of 10 points, and while such dominance may see them heavily influence this Bundesliga team of the season for 14/15, we will attempt to share out the recognition.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer – Bayern Munich
Yes, he largely benefits from a team that hogs the ball to overwhelm opponents, but the 29-year-old sweeper-keeper is a major component to Pep Guardiola’s high-line that allows his team to press up the field. Always on his toes and willing to rush out and repel any danger once a ball leaks through Bayern’s firm back-line, Neuer has redefined the role and is worth his place in any team.
The German kept 20 clean sheets, four more than anybody else in the league, on his way to a third Bundesliga title and averages 7.3 saves per goal. His 18 goals conceded is by far the best record in the league.
Right-back: Vieirinha – VFL Wolfsburg
His menacing runs from full-back have been good enough to convince Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking the Portuguese international he carries enough threat to be played in attacking midfield. He is a right-back by trade though and has proven an extremely diligent defender as well as a significant threat going forward.
Impressive numbers such as 101 attempted tackles and 69 interceptions are balanced out by 37 created chances and 5 assists as his irrepressible engine keeps him bombing up and down the right-flank.
Centre-back: Tony Jantschke – Borussia Monchengladbach
Only Bayern Munich conceded less than Gladbach’s 26 goals and a big factor in that solidity was the 5ft 9 inch Jantschke who rarely makes mistakes. The 25-year-old was a model of consistency for Lucien Favre, missing just 3 league games and putting in a series of committed, diligent displays.
His determination is best indicated by his strength in the air, winning 87 of 126 headed duels despite being standing at sub 6ft. His distribution from the back is also an impressive attribute, finishing the season having completed 87% of his 1870 attempted passes.
Centre-back: Naldo – VFL Wolfsburg
The Brazilian centre-half finished the campaign with 7 goals and 2 assists to his name, while with 118 interceptions no defender in the German top-flight managed more. Dominant in the air he won 71.4% of his aerial challenges and with a 67.3% success rate in the tackle he was a tough man to get past.
It was his tenth season in the Bundesliga and it was arguably his best, playing 32 times as Wolfsburg claimed a Champions League spot.
Left-back: Jonas Hector – FC Cologne
According to Squawka, only Hannover’s Marcelo has better defensive stats than Jonas Hector who was successful with 257 of his duels last season. The 25 year old has been a model of consistency for Koln as they recorded the best defensive record outside of the top 4 and that form has seen him break into the German national squad.
He also marked the campaign with a superb solo goal against Hoffenheim.