With ten games to go in the league, the decision regarding the Bundesliga Player of the Season award is almost upon us, but first, we must take a look at the potential candidates. Now, a lot can change with several fixtures left to fulfil, but the standout stars have been clear for all to see for the entirety of the season so far.
Records could yet be broken; the title is yet to be decided, and the Champions League race is still very much on. No matter what happens, however, certain stars have cemented a season to remember.
Bundesliga Player of the Season: Potential Candidates
Robert Lewandowski
Perhaps the favourite to win the award, Robert Lewandowski, has once again lit up the Bundesliga with a flurry of goals. At 32, he looks unlikely to slow down any time soon and is on the brink of breaking the legendary Gerd Muller’s 40-goal record in a single season.
As things stand, with ten games left to play, the Polish international has 35. To put that into context, Lewandowski once scored five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg. He needs just six in the next ten games to break the aforementioned record with 41.
He and Bayern Munich have been unstoppable once again this season and look on course to seal yet another title.
Erling Haaland
If Robert Lewandowski loses out on the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, then it will likely be Erling Haaland who takes it. The Norway international has been a revelation this season and looks next in line for the footballing throne alongside Kylian Mbappe.
He has carried Borussia Dortmund at times this season. It’s lucky his goals have been around to keep them in the race for a place in the Champions League next season. As those have failed around him, Haaland has taken to the spotlight like a duck to water.
At 20-years-old, he is one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with 33 goals, and should be a candidate for the Bundesliga Player of the Season award.
Joshua Kimmich
Out of all the stars in the Bundesliga, Joshua Kimmich goes under the radar the most. He quietly goes about his business, providing the platform for others to take to the spotlight. But now it’s his time to take a moment as the main protagonist.
If Hansi Flick wants a creator from midfield, who can he turn to? Kimmich. If Bayern require a defensive-minded midfielder, who can they turn to? Kimmich. He has even proved his capabilities at fullback in the past. The German is quite possibly the most complete midfielder in the world.
Previous remarks about his ability to create goals could have been aimed at the Bayern man. This season, however, he has provided 13 assists and scored four goals.
Dayot Upamecano
Part of the best defence in the league, Dayot Upamecano deserves to be mentioned among potential winners of the Player of the Season award. Leipzig have conceded just 21 goals this season, and a lot of the credit for that goes to Upamecano.
The Frenchman’s form has even earned him a move to Bayern Munich in the summer– Leipzig’s title rivals. For now, however, his focus will be on his current sides’ last ten games, where he’ll aim to push the title race to the very last day if possible.
Bundesliga Player of the Year: Prediction
As previously alluded to, a lot of players could receive this award after the season some have had. Special mentions go to those listed above alongside the likes of Thomas Muller and Andre Silva.
Yet, Robert Lewandowski is the one who truly deserves it- especially if he breaks Gerd Muller’s long-standing record.
Eventually, the goalscoring mantel in the Bundesliga will be passed, but for now, it remains firmly in Lewandowski’s grateful grasp.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
