Bundesliga - Midseason Review

Chuck Smith
Dec 30, 2017
2 min read

The Bundesliga had a roller coaster ride of a first half highlighted by a resurgent Bayern Munich, a spectacularly consistent FC Schalke, and middling performances (compared to the preseason expectations) from RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund. Below, is a brief review of where things stand with half a season to play and much to be determined.

Das Penthouse

Bayern Munich: The Reds have rejuvenated under Jupp Heynckes and look more dangerous with the likes of Thomas Müller, James Rodriguez, and Jerome Boateng all looking to be back in top form in joing stalwarts Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, etc. To think, they still have Thiago Alcantara, Manuel Neuer, and Arjen Robben coming back from injury. Things are certainly looking up for Bayern.

Going Up

Schalke: Die Königsblauen has been among the most steady sides in the Bundesliga behind stalwart Leon Goretzka and a cast of steady veterans including Naldo, Guido Burgstaller, and Daniel Caliguiri among others. Barring a Goretzka transfer in January, Schalke 04 should be a threat to push Bayern.

RB Leipzig: Leipzig is not as crisp as it was at this time last year, but the young squad didn't reach its potential in the first half. With Timo Werner, Marcel Sabitzer, Naby Keita, Emil Forsberg and solid keeper Peter Gulasci all looking like they are poised to make a second half push at Bayern.

Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund had a mess of a first half marred by inconsistency, an ineffective coach, and an under-performing core group. Things can only go up for Dortmund. If anything, Christian Pulisic has further entrenched himself as one of the most dangerous players in the league; but how long will he stay at Dortmund if the turmoil continues. The feeling here is that Dortmund will turn itself around under Peter Stoger and will return to it's formerly fearsome self.

Borussia Monchengladbach: Die Fohlen's three-headed monster of Lars Stindl, Thorgan Hazard, and Raffale has carried the team through it's impressive first half run. That threesome should continue to make Monchengladbach a force down the stretch.

Bayer Leverkusen: Leverkusen has a formidable group and has been thoroughly consistent with its last loss (in all comps) coming on September 20th. Julian Brandt, Kevin Vollans, and Leon Bailey carried the team through it's impressive final three months of 2017...can they keep it going?

Hoffenheim: The team has the most sought after young coach (Julian Nagelsmann), a spectacular scoring talent (Mark Uth), and well...a bunch of players who have out-played their expectations. Losing Sandro Wagner to Bayern Munich won't help, but this team has proven to be a threat to any of the upper-echeleon teams in the Bundesliga.

Going Down

This grouping at one point or another has seen its bets moments in the first half of the season. A slow, painful second half awaits, but not nearly as painful as those sitting in Der Keller: