Bundesliga 2021-22 Team of the Season: Standout Performers Across the Pitch
The 2021-22 Bundesliga season delivered plenty of excitement, surprises, and breakout performances despite Bayern Munich’s continued dominance. A league renowned for nurturing young talent, it yet again witnessed several rising stars alongside established names shaping the campaign’s narrative. Here’s a comprehensive look at the standout players who, position by position, earned their spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.
Exceptional Shot-Stoppers: Goalkeeper Spotlight
Manuel Riemann’s contributions to VfL Bochum were pivotal to the team’s unexpected success and survival in the top flight. Not only did he demonstrate immense reliability in goal, but he also set a continental benchmark as a proactive “sweeper keeper.” Averaging 2.0 defensive actions outside his penalty area per 90 minutes—higher than any goalkeeper across Europe’s elite leagues—Riemann’s assertive style played a critical role in Bochum’s impressive 13th place finish.
Other Notable Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky (Bayer Leverkusen) proved a dependable last line of defense for his team’s high-scoring campaign.
Fullback Prowess: Right and Left Back Standouts
Right-Back: Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Jeremie Frimpong’s electric movement and attacking instincts transformed Leverkusen’s right flank. The 21-year-old contributed directly to seven goals (one goal, six assists) while showcasing elite dribbling and forward progression, ranking among the top 1% of fullbacks globally with 8.29 progressive carries per 90 minutes. His synergy with winger Moussa Diaby proved a constant threat to Bundesliga defenses.
Honourable Mention: Christopher Trimmel (Union Berlin) brought veteran leadership and consistent performances throughout the season.
Left-Back: David Raum (1899 Hoffenheim)
David Raum delivered a breakout season after arriving from Greuther Fürth. Primarily deployed as a left-wing-back, Raum registered a career-high 14 goal contributions, leading all Bundesliga defenders in assists. His precise crossing and vision made him indispensable in Hoffenheim’s attacking structure.
Noteworthy Alternative: Christian Günter (SC Freiburg) provided stability and attacking impetus on the left for a remarkable Freiburg side.
Central Defensive Rocks: Centre-Backs of the Season
Nico Schlotterbeck (SC Freiburg)
Nico Schlotterbeck emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most complete defenders, combining aerial dominance (74.4% success, fourth best in the league) with tackling acumen (5.25 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes) and ball-carrying ability. His performances helped propel Freiburg’s impressive season and earned him a high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund.
Additional Defensive Star: Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen) also stood out with his composure and consistency.
Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich)
Lucas Hernandez flourished under Julian Nagelsmann, marshalling Bayern’s defense to 11 clean sheets in 34 matches. With an outstanding blend of aggression, technical quality, and a 40.2% pressing success rate, Hernandez demonstrated why he’s a mainstay in the champions’ backline.
Worth Mentioning: Obite Evan Ndicka (Eintracht Frankfurt) consistently impressed with his defensive work and ball progression.
Midfield Masters: Dominance and Creativity in the Middle
Defensive Midfield Anchor: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Joshua Kimmich reaffirmed his status as one of the premier midfielders in world football. Orchestrating play from deep, Kimmich recorded 10 assists and three goals, while averaging 2.33 interceptions per 90 minutes—impressive numbers for a player on a dominant team with constant possession.
Other Leading Defensive Midfielder: Kerem Demirbay (Bayer Leverkusen) stood out with his passing range and tactical awareness.
Box-to-Box Engine: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
At only 18, Jude Bellingham’s maturity and influence in Dortmund’s midfield were astonishing. Operating as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, he notched three goals and eight assists, and emerged as a linchpin in Marco Rose’s tactical system.
Honourable Mention: Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund) provided creativity and energy in advanced midfield roles.
Wing Wizards: Right and Left Wing Impact Players
Right Wing: Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen)
Moussa Diaby enjoyed a spectacular campaign, forming a devastating partnership with Frimpong down the right. He produced 13 goals and 12 assists, seamlessly blending goal-scoring prowess with creative playmaking for a side that thrived in attack.
Also Outstanding: Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) racked up goals and assists for the title-winners.
Left Wing: Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
Undoubtedly one of the Bundesliga’s standout performers, Christopher Nkunku was instrumental to Leipzig’s season. He contributed 33 goals (20 goals, 13 assists) in 34 appearances, displaying remarkable versatility and consistency throughout managerial changes.
Alternative Option: Vincenzo Grifo (SC Freiburg) provided flair and key contributions on the left.
Attacking Midfield Excellence: The Creative Hub
Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)
Thomas Müller continued his legacy as one of the Bundesliga’s most effective creators, tallying eight goals alongside a league-leading 18 assists. His ability to orchestrate play behind the striker powered Bayern’s potent attack and made him irreplaceable in the number ten role.
Other Top Choices: Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund) and Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) both enjoyed prolific seasons as central attacking midfielders.
Leader of the Line: The Striker’s Role
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
No Bundesliga Team of the Season would be complete without Robert Lewandowski at its apex. The Polish superstar scored 35 goals in 34 matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency, sharpness, and resilience at age 33. His finishing set the standard for strikers across Europe.
Other Remarkable Forward: Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) came close to matching Lewandowski’s output, finishing as one of the league’s leading goal-scorers.
Summary
The 2021-22 Bundesliga campaign was defined by exciting young talents breaking through, established stars reaching new heights, and teams like Bochum and Freiburg exceeding expectations. This season’s best eleven highlights the competition’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance—key factors that make the Bundesliga one of the world’s premier football leagues.
