Bayern Munich - Borussia Dortmund: Combined XI
For nearly 5 years, the fixture between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund has been one of the most exciting fixtures in club football. The Dortmund side has changed from the swashbuckling and energetic Jurgen Klopp’s team to a more methodical but still pacy team under Tuchel. The Bayern Munich team looks completely different under Carlo Ancelotti from his predecessor Pep Guardiola, with more focus on the defensive side and towards counter attacking.
Both the teams boast of world class talents in nearly every position. From World Cup-winning veterans like Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso to exciting talents like Joshua Kimmich and Ousmane Dembele, the two teams are stacked to the core. But who would make it in the combined XI?
Goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer
Neuer is still the best keeper in the world.
One of the few undisputed selections in this combined XI is that of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Bayern Munich keeper is regarded as the world’s best goalkeeper for years now by popular choice and his ability seems to be far from waning. He has been providing match winning performances whenever required.
Even after Guardiola departure, Neuer still continued with his role of sweeper-keeper in the Munich defence.
Although he is still slightly error prone, his match-winning abilities far outweighs any negatives. Time and again he has been the difference between a point and three.
Carlo Ancelotti would be hoping that the team won’t require any heroics from Neuer against BVB but if they do, Neuer will undoubtedly be standing in the goal like a wall. It’s fair to say, Roman Burki did not stand a chance against the German captain.