Bundesliga Team of the Season so far
Ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga restart, we have picked out our 2019/20 team of the season so far.
Peter Gulacsi, RB Leipzig
Having conceded just 26 goals in 25 games throughout the 2019/20 campaign, RB Leipzig have had the Bundesliga's joint best defensive record along with Bayern München, and the always reliable Peter Gulacsi has had a huge hand in that accomplishment.
Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Dortmund
Playing on the right or left hand side of defence, the quick and powerful Moroccan international is always a threat going forward. So far, Hakimi has made 10 assists – more than any other defender in the league – and chipped in with three goals as well.
Dayot Upamecano, RB Leipzig
It's easy to see why the 21-year-old has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Fast, strong and calm on the ball, he's everything you want in a centre-back.
David Alaba, Bayern München
The flexible Austrian international was switched from left-back to centre-back early into into the season and has looked very impressive in the middle of defence. Alaba always radiates calmness and confidence and is excellent at bringing the ball forward under pressure.
Alphonso Davies, Bayern München
The Canadian youngster arrived at Bayern München as a winger last year, but has developed into an excellent left-back this season, taking advantage of his blistering pace to race up and down the sidelines.
Joshua Kimmich, Bayern München
After mostly being deployed at right-back in the past few seasons, Kimmich has been moved to his preferred position in the middle of the park, forming a strong partnership with Thiago. The German international has covered more ground than any other Bundesliga player this season, running a total of 293,66 km (12,63 km on average per game). Despite playing in a defensive role, Kimmich likes to carry the ball forward and is a solid passer of the ball.
Thiago Alcantara, Bayern München
With a pass completion percentage of 90.8% in the Bundesliga this season, the Spanish midfield maestro has been pulling the strings in midfield for Bayern. Technically gifted and with an exceptional eye for his teammates, the 28-year-old always seeks the ball to dominate in midfield.
Marcel Sabitzer, RB Leipzig
Having featured in every Bundesliga game so far this season in various positions in midfield, the Austrian international has certainly been one of RB Leipzig's most important and consistent players. Whether playing in central midfield or in a more offensive role, Sabitzer is happy to take on responsibility, and he has contributed to plenty of goals, netting eight times and making six assists so far.
Jadon Sancho, Borussia Dortmund
No other Bundesliga player has had a hand in as many goals this season as Jadon Sancho, who has notched up 14 goals and 16 assists so far. With his quick feet and technical ability, the 20-year-old is a handful for any opponent.
Robert Lewandowski, Bayern München
Lewandowski has scored 25 league goals in 23 games in what has arguably been his best season at Allianz Arena yet. Heading into the decisive part of the 2019/20 campaign, the 31-year-old will be chasing his own record of 30 league goals in a single season.
Timo Werner, RB Leipzig
Having played in a more free role since Julian Nagelsmann took over as RB Leipzig coach last summer, Werner has taken another step in his development this season. With nine games left to play this season, the German international has scored 21 league goals, equalling his previous best league tally, which he recorded in the 2016/17 campaign.
Honorable mentions: Yann Sommer (Gladbach), Christopher Trimmel (Union Berlin), Matthias Ginter (Gladbach), Mats Hummels (Dortmund), Denis Zakaria (Gladbach), Charles Aranguiz (Bayer Leverkusen, Suat Serdar (Schalke 04), Thomas Müller (Bayern München), Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), Marcus Thuram (Gladbach), Serge Gnabry (Bayern München), Filip Kostic (Frankfurt).