Bundesliga team of the season as Bayer Leverkusen stars dominate after unbeaten season
The curtains of the Bundesliga have now fallen, and it is time to take a look at the team of the 2023-24 season. The domestic campaign was something of a shocker, particularly for regular winners Bayern Munich, who could only watch as Bayer Leverkusen lifted the Meisterschale.
Since losing to Borussia Dortmund in 2012, the Bavarians have won the title every year since, lifting the shield 11 times in a row. However, they couldn't make it for the 12th time. A ruthless Bayer Leverkusen side didn't lose a single league match this season, winning 28 games and drawing six. They became the first Bundesliga side to go unbeaten in an entire campaign.
Let's take a look at the Bundesliga team of the season, where a number of Leverkusen players will feature:
#1 Goalkeeper - Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
Gregor Kobel has arguably been one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga this season, conceding just 31 goals in 27 games and keeping seven clean sheets. The 26-year-old shot-stopper has shown his talent in between the sticks, saving an impressive 85 shots out of the 119 he has faced.
#2 Right-back: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jeremie Frimpong has made a name for himself as one of the best right-backs in the world right now, and he could arguably be the best in Germany. He helped Bayer Leverkusen's defensive efforts as they conceded only 21 goals in the 31 matches he played. However, his real prowess was in the final third, where he ruthlessly scored nine goals and provided seven assists.
#3 Center-back: Nico Schotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund)
Nico Schlotterbeck has become one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, thanks to his prowess in the first third. The 24-year-old center-back helped Borussia Dortmund's cause with nine clean sheets in the 33 league games he played. He also added two goals to his tally, intermittently getting up front to aid his team in attack.
#4 Center-back: Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Another member of the unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen squad, Jonathan Tah's inclusion is hardly any surprise. He helped their impressive performances at the back, as they conceded only 21 goals in the 31 games he played, keeping 13 clean sheets. He also scored an impressive four goals.
#5 Left-back: Alex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
Just like Jeremie Frimpong, Alex Grimaldo added life on the flanks with Bayer Leverkusen this season. He played 33 games, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists to help the club go unbeaten for the first time in their history. He was also quality defensively, also helping them as they conceded only 23 goals in 33 games.
#6 Defensive midfielder: Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
After leaving Arsenal as a club hero, Granit Xhaka made the switch to Germany, leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title from the middle of the park. He was a vital force in their season, as he regularly won over three ground duels per match on average. He also helped them defensively as they conceded only 21 times with him on the pitch.
#7 Center midfielder: Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich didn't have a good season, finishing in third place in the Bundesliga and losing the title to Leverkusen. However, a shining light for the Bavarians was Jamal Musiala, who impressed regularly with his performances. The 21-year-old scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 24 league games, easily marking himself as one of their best players.
#8 Center midfielder: Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Maybe showcasing himself as the best player in the Bundesliga, Florian Wirtz has easily exceeded expectations this season. The 21-year-old midfielder was the key to success under Xabi Alonso's leadership at the Rhine-based club, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in 31 games.
#9 Attacking midfield: Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
Xavi Simons is yet another 21-year-old who has taken the Bundesliga by storm this season with his performances for RB Leipzig. He has helped them reach the UEFA Champions League yet again, as they finished in fourth place. The midfielder scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 32 appearances this season, with a single red card marring his otherwise excellent year.
#10 Striker: Sehrou Guirassy (Stuttgart)
After ending last season with 11 goals, the Guinea forward has been a revelation in Germany this season. Averaging one goal per game, Guirassy has scored 28 league goals in 28 appearances, also adding three assists to his tally. His goalscoring has been a direct help for Stuttgart, who beat Bayern Munich to the second spot on the table behind Leverkusen.
#11 Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
It has been an even better season for Harry Kane, as far as goalscoring is concerned. While a major title has continued to elude the England international, he has had a remarkable return of 36 goals and eight assists in just 32 games. While the Bundesliga title has eluded him this season, he will be hoping the Bavarians can return in full strength next season, while he remains in top form.