Borussia Dortmund: How has their defence changed for the good in 2024?

Borussia Dortmund: Their Start to the 2023-24 Season

Borussia Dortmund's lightning quick start to this Bundesliga season was helped by veteran Mats Hummels.

Hummels made eight appearances in the first nine games in the Bundesliga as Borussia Dortmund won six and drew three (going unbeaten).

During these run of games, he produced a man of the match performance versus Freiburg by scoring two goals in a 4-2 win.

Despite this, Edin Terzić's side went on a downwards slope after losing 4-0 to Bayern Munich as they lost once again the following week to Stuttgart.

A strong European campaign salvaged their end to the year of 2024 however as they topped what many deemed to be the "group of death".

Borussia Dortmund's Defensive Solidarity in 2024

As of matchday 25, Borussia Dortmund have only conceded five goals in 2024. Only Bayer Leverkusen (four) have conceded less than BVB this calendar year.

Edin Terzić's usage of new loanee Ian Maatsen has helped Dortmund to tighten in defence and to close off gaps when defending counter attacks.

As well as this, the continued form of Dortmund's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The Swiss keeper kept two clean sheets in January before he sustained an illness which ruled him out for two games.

On his return in February, he conceded one goal in two league games against Freiburg and Wolfsburg.

Another huge help has been the performances from reserve goalkeeper Alexander Meyer during Gregor Kobel's injuries.

In Meyer's four appearances this calendar year, he has only lost once and kept two clean sheets.

What's Next?

Borussia Dortmund play away against the high-flying Werder Bremen on Saturday evening at the Weserstadion. They will look to gain some ground in the race for a Champions League spot.

The following week, BVB play a season-defining fixture in the Champions League round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven at the Signal-Iduna Park with the aggregate score at 1-1 currently.