DefendersRight-back: Philipp Lahm
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Lukasz Piszczek has been a steady figure for Borussia Dortmund in the right back position for nearly 7 years now but the right back position in the combined XI has to be the legendary Philipp Lahm.
A Bavarian through and through, Lahm has been playing for the Bayern Munich senior team for nearly 13 seasons. Bayern’s captain and one of the greatest full backs of all time, Lahm is still going strong at the age of 33. After an experimental change of position under Guardiola to defensive midfield, he has returned back to his favourite right-back position and has been dominating the wingers again ever since.
Piszczek has often been ciriticised for being a bit too attacking for a player playing in the defensive line and not contributing enough to the defensive side of the game. Lahm’s defensive guile and exceptional leadership qualities propels him into this side.
Centre-back: Jerome Boateng
Jerome Boateng has been consistently rock solid for Bayern since signing for them in 2011. Although he seems to have suffered a slight slump recently, he revels in big matches.
The German international fends off competition from solid centre backs like Javi Martinez and Sokratis based on his performances over the past 3 years for Pep Guardiola’s Bayern side. He has often been the only traditional centre back for Guardiola’s side and held the defence together on his own.
Centre-back: Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels has quickly settled into his new team after his controversial move from Dortmund in the summer. His composure and long range passing is unmatched even by his defensive partner, Boateng.
Hummels was Dortmund’s best centre-back for years and captained the side before moving to their rivals and his current team, Bayern Munich. He is known for his aerial abilities and being extremely decisive on the pitch even as a centre back.
Their partnership also extends to the national team, increasing their compatibility. Along with the numerous defensive contributions, both of them are also known for their immaculate long range passing.
Left Back: David Alaba
Alaba completes the all Bayern backline. Alaba’s favourite position is defensive midfield, where he plays for Austria, but his performances for Bayern as a left back have been immense. He has made 18 interceptions so far with 3 defensive actions per match.
The Austrian is an attacking full-back and likes to maraud down the flanks which shows in the number of chances created by him – 14.
BVB’s Schmelzer has been inconsistent this season and has been replaced by Raphel Guerreiro, both failing to match Alaba’s quality and consistency at left back.
