Defenders
Philipp Lahm
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Philipp Lahm has been a major pillar in the recent Bayern success story, as well as the German national team. His composure on the ball in tense situations, as well as his leadership on field makes him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Though age is catching up on the 32 year old, his consistency never seems to drop. His retirement from the national team will help him focus on keeping Bayern on top. Making 26 appearances for Bayern Munich last season, Lahm showed that his experience on the field was still major part in Bayern Munich's domestic success.
Pep Guardiola lauded Lahm's "footballing brain" and his knack for accurate passing and penetrating runs on the flank. Club-captain since the departure of Mark Van Bommel in 2011, he has been the guiding light for the team. Lahm is a fan-favourite as well as any manager’s dream player.
Mats Hummels
Widely regarded as one of the leaders of his position, his €35 million move to Dortmund’s bitter rivals was inevitable after his superb performances for Dortmund. The ball-playing centre-back role is a rare breed in modern football and Hummels is the best example of that role.
He is also a leader of men, who is not afraid to speak out on the field. He can make the Bayern backline, which rarely looked disjoint last season, virtually impenetrable.
Hummels is a beast in the air, winning headers in defence and scoring headers in attack. Strong tackles and perceptive interceptions make him suited for a defensive-midfield position too.
Jerome Boateng
Boateng’s towering presence and strength, coupled with his speed and composure make him a commanding centre-back. With his fellow compatriot Hummels by his side at Bayern this season, the World Cup-winning defensive partnership should offer ample protection for their goalkeeper Neuer.
Boateng was voted 2016 German Footballer of the Year, the first defender to win it since Jurgen Kohler in 1997.
The former Manchester City player has grown into one of the best in the business and seems to rise to the occasion in big games. Germany's 1-0 win over Argentina in the 2014 World Cup Final was courtesy of excellent defending from the Bayern man; the performance resulting in a man of the match award for him.
David Alaba
A youth product of the club, Alaba embodies the Bayern Munich brand of football with quick inter-passing and surging runs in the wide area. He is the club’s youngest ever player to play in a competitive fixture at 17 years, 7 months and 8 days old.
A vital part of the team, the 24-year-old’s peak years are yet to come and he is already a great defender.
Real Madrid reportedly showing interest in signing the left-back, which is testament to the footballing prowess of Alaba. His technicality and set-piece skills make him a one of a kind player. He can whip in goals and accurate crosses from a distance too. Future captain for Bayern possibly?
