Bundesliga 2019-20: 3 key players behind the success of Borussia Monchengladbach this season

Over the last few years, the Bundesliga has been considered to be a one-horse race, owing to the sustained dominance of Bayern Munich. But this season is proving out to be an exception.

With two-thirds of the current season over, just three points separate the first and the fourth-placed teams, making it one of the tightest title races in the recent history of Bundesliga. Although Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund had a slow start to the season, it is the impressive rise of teams like Borussia Mönchengladbach that have played a major role in making the current Bundesliga season an exciting one for the neutrals.

Ever since Marco Rose was appointed as their manager, Gladbach have been playing attractive football with high energy pressing at the core of their playing style and have achieved great results with it. The Foals had an impressive start to this season and currently sit in fourth place, just three points behind the league leaders Bayern.

Gladbach's success this season showcases how well they have played as a team with each player putting in a good shift, week in week out. However, there are some stand-out players who have helped the team achieve its goals. Here we look at 3 such players who are flourishing under Marco Rose and are crucial to the success of The Prussians.

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1. Stefan Lainer

Stefan Lainer has been an instrumental figure in their defensive backline.

While Gladbach are being highly appreciated for their attacking football, it is their solid defense that has been key to their impressive rise this season, and Stefan Lainer has been an instrumental figure in that defence.

The right-back signed for the Foals in the summer from RB Salzburg and has settled in quickly. With full-backs being pivotal in Gladbach's playing style under Marco Rose, the Austrian had major responsibility on his shoulders and has risen up to the challenge. The 27-year-old has been consistent and has managed to impress everyone with his offensive and defensive capabilities - contributing to 4 goals this season and averaging 1.6 tackles per game.

The Austrian will surely play a crucial role in the remaining part of the season as they look to continue their fight for the prestigious Bundesliga title.

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Note: All statistics as of February 7, 2020

2. Yann Sommer

The Swiss shot-stopper has been in fine form this season and is a crucial part of the team.

A key figure behind Gladbach's defensive solidarity this season is their goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. Sommer moved to the Borussia Park in 2014 and had a massive task of filling in the boots of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Since then, the Swiss international has gone from strength to strength and has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the top flight of German football.

Marco Rose holds the experienced keeper in high regard and is getting the best out of him this season. The Gladbach custodian has been a rock between the sticks putting in a string of amazing performances this season. The 31-year-old has played every minute of Bundesliga action in this campaign and has racked up 5 clean sheets with an impressive save rate of 77.14%.

The Swiss golkeeper is in his peak years and will play a crucial for the Foals in the current title dogfight, as well as the upcoming seasons.

3. Marcus Thuram

Marcus Thuram is quickly making a name for himself with some stellar performances

Another player that has caught everyone's attention this season is Marcus Thuram - the son of France legend, Lilian Thuram.

Thuram joined the Foals in the summer for a fee of €12m and has become a crucial member of the team. The French striker with his incredible speed, stamina, and strong build is proving to be an absolute nightmare for the opposition defenders.

The forward is in red-hot form this season and has already contributed to 16 goals, scoring 10 and creating 6. Apart from the goals, his overall contribution to the team has been excellent. The 22-year old possesses a high work rate, and makes impressive contributions defensively - winning 50% of his tackles this season, which makes him fit perfectly in Gladbach's high pressing system.

With various European giants keeping a close eye on him, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for him.

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