The Hard Tackle lists three players who can have a positive impact on the game when Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich clash on Saturday.
The biggest game of the 2023/24 Bundesliga season thus far is here. Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich will lock horns at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday evening, with both teams eager to keep pace with Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the table.
Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are two of only three clubs yet to lose a game in the Bundesliga this season. But both juggernauts of German football are behind Bayer Leverkusen in the standings, with Die Werkself barely losing dropping points this term.
But the two teams come into the game on the back of contrasting results in the German cup earlier this week. Borussia Dortmund beat TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 1-0 to progress to the next round. But Bayern Munich bowed out of the competition after suffering a shock defeat to third-division side FC Saarbrucken.
The results in the DFB Pokal have nothing to do with what can transpire on the pitch this weekend. As is often the case in the biggest rivalries, form and recent results go out the window. That should also be the case at the Signal Iduna Park when Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich lock horns. But before the clash, we present a list of three players who can singlehandedly influence the tie.
Marco Reus
Didi Hamann on Marco Reus: "Taking the captain's armband off him has lifted a burden from his shoulders. There's no doubt that he's an outstanding player. However, I would still be cautious because people are already associating Reus with the national team again. He should stay… pic.twitter.com/NkZcd5JR1Z
— ari (@aritrabvb1909) November 4, 2023
Our list begins with one of the most experienced campaigners in Der Klassiker in its modern-day iteration. He has found a second wind since relinquishing his Borussia Dortmund captaincy. We are talking about Marco Reus.
The former German international decided to move on from the role of being the Borussia Dortmund captain this year. Emre Can has replaced him in the role, but the move has seemingly liberated the experienced attacker.
Reus is playing exceedingly well, even though his tally of four goals and two assists in 12 outings might not excite many. But what the numbers do not reflect is the work he has put in on the field, enabling the other attackers to express themselves freely.
Despite his advancing age, Reus has become a player who uses his experience well. He has to do more of the same against Bayern Munich to deliver another blow to the defending champions amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Thomas Tuchel.
Jamal Musiala
💫 Lionel Messi’s votes for the Kopa Trophy 2023 — Best Talent of the Year.
🥇 Musiala
🥈 Pedri
🥉 Bellingham pic.twitter.com/mgeAS7vO6e— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 3, 2023
From one of the most experienced players on the pitch to one of the most inexperienced, we move to an up-and-coming star who has been carving his place in the star-laden Bayern Munich first team. We are talking about Jamal Musiala.
The German international is one of the most highly-rated prospects in the world. That is clear from his standing in the final standings for the Kopa Trophy this year, with the youngster finishing just behind former Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham on the final list.
The 20-year-old had Lionel Messi batting for him during the voting period, with many others naming him as their preferred candidate. While the illustrious honour has eluded him Musiala’s stock remains high, with high-profile clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid among his prospective suitors.
As for what he needs to do in the game between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, the 20-year-old must produce his trademark ghosting runs while utilising his excellent link-up play to free up Harry Kane. And Bayern Munich will be on course to win another Klassiker if he rises to the occasion.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is the first player to score 10+ goals and provide 5+ assists in Europe's top five leagues this season. pic.twitter.com/zvhExHAPX7
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 28, 2023
We end the list with another Bayern Munich player. Like Jamal Musiala, he is a fellow attacker for the visiting team and will make his Klassiker debut at the Signal Iduna Park this weekend. The player in question is Harry Kane.
The England captain has hit the ground running at Bayern Munich, often scoring goals for fun. While the “Kane curse” struck for a second time this season following Bayern’s ouster from the German Cup, he has barely put a foot wrong in his young career with the Bavarian giants.
The former Tottenham Hotspur striker has shown what Bayern Munich desperately missed last season after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. He has already scored two hat-tricks while also providing a few assists. Another top-class showing will force Borussia Dortmund into submission and guide the unsettled Bayern Munich to a crucial three points.
