Manuel Akanji - Center back
Manuel Akanji has seen his stock rise dramatically in the past 18 months. The Swiss defender was on the books of Basel and despite interest from Liverpool, the exciting center-half rejected advances from England in favor of a move to Germany and his decision has been vindicated, to say the least.
The 23-year-old has become one of Dortmund's most reliable performers at the heart of the defence and has established himself as a central figure for his national team.
Since joining the German club, the likes of Diallo, Zagadou and Toprak have all partnered Akanji but Dortmund's could finally have the long-term stability that they've long craved for, with Akanji partnering Hummels at the heart of the defence.
Akanji could form a formidable partnership alongside a seasoned veteran like Hummels and the German international could bring the best out of him as Dortmund look to dethrone Bayern Munich at the Bundesliga summit.