Assessing Borussia Dortmund’s Future Centre-Back Options: A Data-Driven Guide
Understanding Dortmund’s Ongoing Defensive Challenges
Despite impressive attacking flair, Borussia Dortmund have long struggled to establish a solid defensive foundation. The source of these weaknesses is multifaceted: inconsistent defensive partnerships, a reliance on similar player profiles in central defense, and recurring problems with defensive transitions. Even as talents like Manuel Akanji have developed their skillset—adapting their game with more pace to offset Mats Hummels’ lack of speed—the club remains in need of new central defenders. Mats Hummels is ageing and not at his best, while Dan-Axel Zagadou has proven unreliable due to injuries and inconsistent performances. As a result, Dortmund must seriously evaluate the transfer market for promising centre-backs who can boost both short-term solidity and long-term stability.
Maxence Lacroix: The Bundesliga’s Defensive Prodigy
During his time with VfL Wolfsburg, Maxence Lacroix quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s elite young defenders. With 31 league appearances in his debut season, Lacroix’s defensive prowess is highlighted by standout statistics and a unique skillset. Still only 21, his pace allows him to recover against fast attackers, and his defensive metrics are remarkable:
– Tackling success against dribblers: 65%
– Pressing success rate: 32.6%
– Interceptions per 90 minutes: 3.9 (top 1% among Bundesliga centre-backs)
– Combined tackles and interceptions per 90: 6.67 (second-most in the league)
– Aerial duels won: 67%
Lacroix is not just a stopper but also a strong presence in possession. He completes 78.6% of his dribbles and is comfortable driving out of defense. However, there is room to refine his short passing and better judge between ambitious or safer plays. Valued at €25 million, Lacroix represents both immediate defensive reinforcement and a long-term solution for Dortmund.
Nico Schlotterbeck: Modern Defender with Classic Grit
Nico Schlotterbeck’s standout season with Freiburg underlines his growing reputation. At 22, he already demonstrates leadership and the willingness to put his body on the line—reminiscent of old-school defenders—yet possesses modern qualities like strong passing and comfort on the ball. Schlotterbeck often progresses into the attacking half to support possession or offer a set-piece threat. His key statistics include:
– Combined tackles and interceptions per 90: 5.05
– Aerial duels won: 71%
– Dribble success: 60%
– Progressive carries per game: almost 4
– Set-piece threat: 3 goals this season
Though his long passing accuracy (65%) lags behind Dortmund’s current best, Schlotterbeck’s adventurous play and robust style would complement a composed partner like Akanji. With his market value around €20 million, he stands out as an astute, high-upside investment.
Obite Evan Ndicka: A Well-Rounded, Reliable Performer
Obite Evan Ndicka has quietly built an impressive résumé with Eintracht Frankfurt, amassing four Bundesliga seasons by the age of 22. The French defender combines athleticism and tactical awareness, making him a natural upgrade for some of Dortmund’s defensive deficiencies:
– Aerial duels won: 63.5% (4.45 per 90)
– Tackle success rate: 55.9%
– Pressure success: 37.9% (among the league’s best)
– Blocks per 90: 2.29
– Combined tackles and interceptions per 90: 3.43
– Cards this season: only two
Ndicka also contributes offensively, frequently involved on set pieces with three goals and two assists this season. Notably, his disciplined defending allows him to excel without unnecessary fouls or cards—a clear improvement on less consistent options. Valued at €28 million, Ndicka is an all-rounder ready to take the next step.
Jonathan Tah: Experienced Bundesliga Defender Ready for the Next Chapter
Jonathan Tah offers a different profile: established experience at Bayer Leverkusen, leadership, and physical presence. At 26, he occupies a prime age for a centre-back and brings a wealth of Bundesliga and European match experience. His game is defined by:
– Height and aerial ability: 6’3″, winning 75.2% of aerial duels
– Tackling success: 65%
– Clearances per 90: 5.62
– Interceptions per 90: 2.15
– Dribble completion: 80%
– Passing completion: nearly 90%, with a particular strength in medium and long-range distribution
– Set-piece contributions: 2 goals and 3 assists this season
Tah’s excellent positioning, composure, and passing fit seamlessly into Dortmund’s playing philosophy. While his transfer value is estimated at €25 million, Leverkusen may demand a higher fee, especially from a direct rival.
Gleison Bremer: Serie A’s Defensive Standout
Looking beyond the Bundesliga, Torino’s Gleison Bremer represents an intriguing option. The 24-year-old Brazilian has been a defensive anchor, excelling in a system less focused on possession than Dortmund, but his core numbers are outstanding:
– Interceptions per 90: 3.95 (top 1% in Serie A)
– Clearances per 90: 5.52
– Aerial duels won per 90: 4.57 (third in Serie A)
– Blocks per 90: 2.56
– Long passing accuracy: 75.4%
Bremer’s composure, anticipation, and leadership as Torino’s captain stand out, but he can at times be rash—evidenced by six bookings this season—and has room to improve his ball progression in high-possession systems. Priced at around €20 million, he could offer strong value if Dortmund seek to diversify their defensive profiles.
Additional Prospects Worth Noting
While the focus is on the Bundesliga and Bremer, several other players merit consideration:
– Mohammed Salisu (Southampton): At 22, he has quickly adapted to the Premier League, excelling in tackles (3 per 90) and defensive pressure (40.8%), but needs refinement in passing, possession, and decision-making. His lower transfer value could prove a bargain, though stylistic concerns remain.
– Jean-Clair Todibo (OGC Nice): The 22-year-old Frenchman, formerly with Barcelona, shows strong progressive carrying (5.59 per game) and a high pressure-success rate (42%), though aerial ability and long passing remain weaker facets.
These options could become relevant should primary targets be unavailable or priced out of reach.
Comparing Key Metrics: Attack, Possession, and Defense
The following table presents a comparative overview of how the shortlisted defenders perform across crucial statistical categories. This assessment illustrates their compatibility with Dortmund’s style and overall defensive demands.
| Player | Age | Club | Aerial Duels Won (%) | Tackles + Interceptions per 90 | Dribble Completion (%) | Passing Accuracy (%) | Progressive Carries per Game | Set-Piece Goals | Market Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxence Lacroix | 21 | Wolfsburg | 67 | 6.67 | 78.6 | – | – | – | 25 |
| Nico Schlotterbeck | 22 | Freiburg | 71 | 5.05 | 60 | 65 | 3.9 | 3 | 20 |
| Obite Evan Ndicka | 22 | Eintracht Frankfurt | 63.5 | 3.43 | – | – | – | 3 | 28 |
| Jonathan Tah | 26 | Bayer Leverkusen | 75.2 | 2.15 | 80 | 90 | – | 2 | 25 |
| Gleison Bremer | 24 | Torino | – | – | – | 75.4 (long passes) | – | – | 20 |
Evaluating Attacking and Possession Skills
Among the candidates, Jonathan Tah’s technical ability from the back most closely aligns with Dortmund’s approach. His vision, range of passing, and composure under pressure make him an asset in both the build-up phase and when launching direct attacks. Maxence Lacroix and Obite Evan Ndicka also rank highly, especially with their progressive tendencies and successful dribbling from defense. Schlotterbeck provides ball progression with his powerful carries, while Bremer is more conservative, a function of his team’s tactical setup rather than lack of ability.
Assessing Defensive Strengths
Defensively, Lacroix and Tah top many key categories, offering a combination of successful tackles, aerial dominance, and positional awareness. Bremer’s numbers on interceptions and blocks suggest instant improvement in Dortmund’s defensive transition, though his style may require adaptation to a more possession-focused system. Ndicka and Schlotterbeck provide a blend of youth and reliability, though some metrics indicate room for further growth at the very top level.
Conclusion: The Optimal Choice for Dortmund’s Defense
While Maxence Lacroix and Evan Ndicka stand out as top young prospects, a holistic statistical and stylistic analysis points to Jonathan Tah as the most appropriate signing for Borussia Dortmund. His blend of experience, leadership, ball-playing prowess, and physical dominance suits both immediate needs and the team’s long-term ambitions. At 26, Tah is in his prime and ready to step into a demanding role without an extensive adjustment period.
To secure lasting defensive improvement as Mats Hummels approaches the end of his tenure, Dortmund should make a significant push to acquire Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, with his market value estimated at €25 million.
Summary Table: Dortmund Centre-Back Options at a Glance
| Player | Strengths | Potential Weaknesses | Estimated Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Tah | Ball playing, aerial duels, experience, leadership | Less long-term upside due to age | 25 |
| Maxence Lacroix | Pace, tackles, interceptions, dribbling | Decision-making with possession | 25 |
| Nico Schlotterbeck | Aerial duels, progression, versatility | Long passing, consistency under pressure | 20 |
| Obite Evan Ndicka | Defensive discipline, aerial threat, attacking set-pieces | Needs improvement in progressive passing | 28 |
| Gleison Bremer | Interceptions, blocks, leadership | Tactical adaptation, rashness | 20 |
As Dortmund look to reinforce and future-proof their defensive line, selecting a centre-back who offers immediate reliability and fits the club’s tactical DNA will be critical for success in upcoming seasons.
