Borussia Dortmund's team of the decade
The last decade has been good to Borussia Dortmund, even if the more recent years haven't been the kindest. They've truly seen some greats play for them, while some have stayed and won hearts, others have left and still left their legacy.
The likes of Sebastian Kehl and Kevin Grosskreutz have spent years at the club while the others shuffled around them. They provided the spine for the club in times of transition as they switched managers and new talent was ushered in at every step. Every club has those stalwarts and Dortmund has their own.
Since 2010, Dortmund have won the Bundesliga twice and finished runners-up on four occasions. They've also won the German Cup twice and lost in three finals, but perhaps the most heart-rending from their point of view must be the loss to Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 Champions League Final.
Through this journey, there have been immensely talented players and others who personify the club, this is a mix of both.
Defence
Goalkeeper: Roman Weidenfeller
Roman Weidenfeller spent nearly his entire career at the club before retiring a couple of seasons ago and in that process, was key to some of the biggest achievements in Dortmund's history.
He was a stalwart in goal and perhaps not the best when it came to modern goalkeeping with the ball at his feet. However, his reassuring presence between the posts meant that Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund could play the flying football they needed to assert their dominance over rivals, Bayern Munich.
He eventually lost his place to Roman Burki under Thomas Tuchel but remains a large figure in Dortmund's folklore.
Right-Back: Lukas Piszczek
In July 2020, Lukas Piszczek will complete a decade at Borussia Dortmund. Honestly, the only alternatives in this position have started to appear only 2-3 years back. Piszczek operated at such a level for so many years that Dortmund never felt the need to permanently replace him.
Now as age take its toll, the likes of Raphael Guerreiro and Achraf Hakimi are taking centre-stage, but Piszczek is still a reliable deputy for Lucien Favre when he needs to rely on the experience in this squad.
Centre-Back: Mats Hummels
The iconic German centre-back has seen his career shared between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Mats Hummels couldn't resist the lure of the club where he grew as a player but his contribution to Borussia Dortmund is nothing to laugh about.
He was a part of Dortmund's most successful period in recent history and his exit saw them wane. His return seems to have rejuvenated them so it remains to be seen if he can play a pivotal role in this increasingly exciting team.
Centre-Back: Neven Subotic
The centre-back pairing of Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic could at the start of the decade have claimed to be among the top 5 defensive pairings in the world. The Serbian played a big role in setting Dortmund on the course they're on today.
Subotic followed Jurgen Klopp into the club and arguably followed him out as well.
But the spell between 2010 and 2015 brought stability and success to the club and it was based on this duo at the back.
Left-Back: Marcel Schmelzer
A man who spent his entire senior career with Borussia Dortmund, Marcel Schmelzer has done a stellar job under four managers and continues to be of service to the club today. His 251 appearances at the club have been largely at left-back, but he has done a job in plenty of positions for different managers.
He was a trusted lieutenant under both Klopp and Tuchel and was only ever scuppered by injury. When fully fit though, his eager running and sense of defensive responsibility make him an excellent full-back.