Götze gone: What next for Dortmund?

Dortmund's wonderful fans put on a show before the second leg against Malaga.

23rd April, it was revealed over Twitter, (of course) that Mario Götze would be leaving Borussia Dortmund to join Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich for thirty-two million pounds. A move that would send shockwaves round German and world football, that same night, Bayern would dismantle Barcelona four goals to nil. Prompting questions of just how good this Bayern team can get with Guardiola at the helm and Götze in the side.

Where do Dortmund go from here?

The news couldn't have came at a slightly worse time for Dortmund, just twenty-four hours before their own semi-final clash against Real Madrid at the Signal Iduna Park, despite the ever loveable Jurgen Klopp's best efforts to deflect the attention off of Götze  it was inevitable he would be bombarded by the press. With Klopp saying, "We have all dreamed of this situation and will not let anything distract us from it. In fact, maybe such a blow will make us even stronger." Admirable, but without doubt this will hurt Dortmund and their fanbase, with Götze having put pen to paper, extending his contract until 2016. While Dortmund have quality through-out, added pressure will be placed upon Reus, Kuba and Lewandowski, should he choose to stay.

Klopp has said he's known Götze was leaving, ever since the return leg versus Malaga. This has angered fans, losing arguably one of the best talents in world football to their biggest rivals in terms of national trophies is a huge blow, and with hitman Robert Lewandowski and defender Felipe Santana also looking set to leave this Summer could be massive in terms of Dortmund's near future. The problem is, who will replace the stalwarts of the team that has ruled the roost over German football in the two years previous? To get players of this quality in terms of value of what they could leave for, will certainly prove difficult, especially with Financial Fairplay rules coming in next year and still having debt to pay off, Dortmund's decision will be difficult.

Who will replace Gotze?

Eriksen has played against Dortmund twice this year, in the Champions League.

Speculation has massively ramped up that Dortmund will chase twenty million Danish starlet Christian Eriksen of Ajax, who along with Götze, are the two brightest prospects in terms of European football in my humble opinion. The playmaker will not come cheap however, but should Dortmund get him it will be a massive coup and Götze's departure may be soon forgotten by the Dortmund fans. The Danish wonderkid is a vital part of Ajax's current side, having scored nine times and set up a further fourteen, BVB will be getting a like for like replacement and possibly one who will perform to even higher levels than that of his predecessor. Another name mentioned was Julian Draxler of Dortmund's Ruhr rivals Schalke 04, with a part exchange for Santana mentioned as part of the deal, but as of now that seems unlikely with Eriksen the firm favourite to replace the departing Götze.

Why aren't Dortmund given the credit they deserve? What about tonight's game?

Honestly, it's beyond me, they've been written off before the competition started and now they're being written off again. They haven't been beaten yet in the Champions League and are the only unbeaten team remaining, with a 100% record at home scoring ten and conceding three. With resilience in abundance  there is no reason why the Schwarz-gelben can't get a result tonight. I also can't understand why Dortmund aren't seen as a European powerhouse, with such a young, capable squad and bottle in abundance. 

The following games and months will be a huge test for Jurgen Klopp.

With the best fans in Europe behind them, crazy and wonderfully colourful, it isn't the fans that are the problem. People see Dortmund's weakness financially, still in debt after almost going bust a few years ago, the club are still recovering and haven't been able to splash the cash that Bayern have been able to, but have signed sensibly. They've recruited the services of Nevin Subotic and Sven Bender for several more season, while signing Reus for seventeen million euros has proved to be a stroke of genius for the club. The lack of spending may put off players from joining, feeling that there isn't enough desire to progress, but as long as Jurgen Klopp is at the helm Dortmund will continue to impress and move forwards.

Now with rumours circling that Lewandowski too has moved from West to South and joined Bayern, with Edin Dzeko wanting a move back to the Bundesliga, his name is firmly in the frame, as Scheiber is unlikely to become first choice, it's in the balance who'll replace the Pole. The day has gotten a lot tougher for Dortmund and this game against Madrid will be a true test of their character.

My Twitter: @JWalsh97

Thibaut Courtois: Best keeper of his generation?

Thibaut Courtois is remarkably talented for such a young man. At 20-years old he is already showing signs of maturity and has been a fundamental part of Atleti's success this season. (for starters he went 820 minutes without conceding a goal at the Vicente Calderon) He has a wry confidence which although understated gives his full backs every confidence in their number 1. He already possesses many strengths; consistency, shot stopping, decisions and reflexes. It remains undecided whether he will stay in Spain on loan at Atleti. The likelihood is that he will as Petr Cech is still performing at a high level. The future is bright for the young shot stopper and after watching the progress of David De Gea at Man United there is no reason why he can't have the same success in England or a top European side.

This is the rapturous report I received from the magical Matt Smith, not the Oldham striker, but he's far better. Chelsea's twenty years old, six foot six, Belgium's wonderkid keeper has an awful lot to live up to. The young keeper has took La Liga and Spain by storm, so much so, that he has a crazy called 'Thibauting' named after him. The craze similar to "planking" shows fans making a diving save in the least likely footballing areas, what is there to not like about him?

So, what is so special about Thibaut Courtois?

Well, at just twenty the young Belgian has already lifted the Europa League against Atletico Bilbao and the European Super Cup against, errr.. Chelsea.. To boot his wonderful performances have helped Atleti to compete with their city rivals in the league and come up against them in the King's Cup final. Dominant in his box to the extreme, Courtois is a defenders dream, coming and claiming at every available opportunity without fail. Commanding and controlling, Courtois's defence is rarely found out of place, mainly due to his excellent organisational skills. Also, Courtois has became one of the finest shot stoppers in the world this year, as a friend of mine said on Twitter, "Every time Atleti play all I hear is "What a save from Courtois!"" Pulling off some of the most spectacular one handed, double and even triple saves you are likely to see, the triple save against Betis is one of the best you'll see. Also, when it comes to spreading himself, he does it like the great Peter Schmeichel himself. Without Courtois Atleti would not be anywhere close to where they are, sure Falcao gets all the plaudits, but Courtois has quietly and calmly, stressing out strikers as he keeps clean sheet after clean sheet.

Time for the stats to back it all up.

100% claim rate, yes, one hundred percent claim rate. All you can really say is wow. The fact that Courtois is six foot six helps, of course, but to not have dropped all ball from a corner or cross speaks volumes. Firstly of his talent, raw talent that with time will turn him into a machine, then, his commanding nature, a vital characteristic of a good goal keeper. While he only averages two saves per game, some will say that isn't much, but Peter Schmeichel once said that,"A great goalkeeper does not always have to make saves, controlling his defence to have no shots at him is probably more important." Thibaut does this in abundance, it speaks volumes that he made seven saves against Bilbao, when they lost 3-0. Conceding just 23 goals this season, Courtois is Atleti's top performer this season, (statistically from Squawka) to top their impressive defence, and the likes of Koke and Falcao is quite the feat, especially when little or no praise is showered on him, and more so on the attacking side of Atleti. As Matt says, his consistency and concentration are second to none. I honestly don't think I can say much more than what Matt or myself have said.

Do the right thing and follow @ElasticoChop, it's Matt and his wonderfully named Twitter.

Team of the Year Predictions: Bundesliga.

GK: Manuel NEUER
The obvious choice really, conceding just 13 goals all season in the 28 games he's played. Many will say he's had nothing to do all year and he's just had the best view of Bayern's attack, if that was ever in doubt his tremendous performance against Eintracht Frankfurt in Bayern's title winning game typified Neuer's alertness and qualities as a goalkeeper. Commanding and reassuring to his defence, as well as being one of the finest 1v1 stoppers in the world, Bayern's goalkeeping position will be his for the foreseeable future.

RB: Daniel CARVAJAL
A product of the Real Madrid youth academy, Carvajal has impressed hugely since he moved to Leverkusen. Equally adapt at attacking as he is at defending, the young Spaniard has excelled this year and has been a big part of their success this season. As I looked at WhoScored, at the time of writing, he's made 100 tackles and interceptions... (speechlessness). How is it possible to be so adept at the defensive side, yet give so much in attack? All I know is, he's a pleasure to watch, especially with Schurlle and KeiBling in front of him to feed!

CB: Mats HUMMELS
The rock at the heart of the Dortmund defence, that does not look the same without the 24 year-old at the heart of their defence. A remarkable penalty taker (which German isn't?) and a big threat in the opposition box, he is widely admired around the world by the finest teams there are, with Barcelona among one of his many suitors. Also an incredible ball playing defender, Hummels is integral part of anything Dortmund do. Of course he is also one of the best defenders in the world, combining pace, strength and tackling ability to be one of the sights strikers hate to see on a Saturday.

CB: DANTE
Signing of the season would be an insult to how well the big Brazilian has acquited himself since his move from Mochengladbach. He has carried his previous season's form over, and has continued to be a rock at the back, the crowning glory, his first call-up to the national side to play England. As comfortable on the ball as anyone on the pitch Dante marshals his back four with ease, looking like he could put out his deck chair, and enjoy the customary Bavarian Beer festival, occasionally rises to dispossess any attacker daring to challenge him.

LB: David ALABA
One of the most attacking left-backs you'll see. The young, exuberant Alaba never stops running all game, and with a deadly finish, the Alaba and Ribery pairing is enough to make any right-back 'pull a hamstring' in the warm-up. One to get stuck in, the Austrian is a fantastic defender, strong and good in the air for a man of his height and is great in a tackle, without fully committing himself he is speedy to recover should he ever be beaten. Having to defend against some of the finest right-sided players like Reus, Ronaldo and co. He has faired admirably and a player a lot of people would love at their club.

RM: Marco REUS
'Rolls Reus'. There is no better description for the Dortmund attacker. Lethal from anywhere on the pitch, inside or outside the box, free-kicks, tap-ins, Reus has it all. His finishing is wonderful, but his dribbling is something else all together, the pace to trouble any player in the world and combine that with his flair and fantastic ball control, you have one of the most complete packages in the world. Reus has the ability to create the sublime from absolutely nothing, as we all seen with that amazing flick against Malaga. Let's all reminisce about it..ahhh..

CM: Toni KROOS
I often find myself saying Kroos's name over and to the tune of 'Baby give it up", sad this may seem but if there's one player who I've been hugely, massively, enormously impressed by, it's him. Despite his recent injury Bayern have continued to tick, but Kroos added that little something extra to the side, his passing, shooting and movement always gave the opposition something to think about. His finish against Arsenal, with the Lampard-esque run showcased everything good about him, starting and clinically finishing off a fantastic move. Wonderful player.

CM: Mario GöTZE
Götze has created more chances for his team mates (15) than any other Bundesliga player. One of the most creative players in the world, Götze is renown for his capability to create something from nothing. He could however add more goals to his game, as I'm sure he'd admit with the missed chances v Augsburg and Malaga, but that will come with time. (I say that and he's scored 10 goals..) Forming the 'Götzeus' partnership, if Dortmund can hang on to these two, they'll be set for the next few years, with the pairing being two of the most exciting players in world football.

LM: Franck RIBERY
For me, the best left-sided player in the world this year, Ribery has destroyed whatever has been put in front of him. Quick as lightning, agile as a gymnast and a shot to make any keeper run for cover. Ribery has been pivotal to Bayern's success this year, with 10 goals and 11 assists and 9 man of the match awards,  yes 9! Ribery is also one of the few skilful players in the world that uses his skills at the right times and knows when to pass, making 'Alabery'(?!) a force to reckon with. You know, that Alabery might catch on..

ST: Stefan KEIßLING
Second top scorer this year and only beaten by poaching master Robert Lewandowski, Stefan Keißling has been hugely impressive this year, notching up his 100th career league goal in the process. Early goals change games and true to form, Keißling has got that goal 8 times, making such a difference to his teams mentality knowing that the big man upfront will always get you a goal. Extremely versatile, being happy with the ball at his feet or in the air, it's a travesty that he hasn't got the chance he's deserved with Joachim Loew's Germany side.

ST: Robert LEWANDOWSKI

Goalscorer extraordinaire  Robert Lewandowski. He scores goals, it's that simple. 22 goals so far for Dortmund in the league this year has ensured that those United rumours won't go away, with just a year left on his contract. He may not have flattered with some of the missed chances in the Champions League, but he will get you goals, that's for sure. The composure and finish against Malaga was truly fantastic, he is so calm on the pitch, a spaceship would land and he wouldn't care, but if it was in HIS penalty box, well then that's different.

Honourable Mentions

I couldn't fit all the players I wanted into this squad so, what better to include so of the 'best of the rest', who could all have valid arguments for being in this team. These are the 4 players that I thought could have been in the side, but deserve some recognition for their efforts this year.

GK: Kevin TRAPP

A keeper who hasn't had much acclaim this season, but had it not been for Trapp, Eintracht Frankfurt would not be currently 6th in the Bundesliga. Not a flamboyant keeper by any stretch, he does what he needs to and does that well. Despite an injury unfortunately cutting his season short, Trapp has imposed himself well, with the 22 year-old continuing the trend of wonderful German keepers, by impressing in every game this year. Commanding and with the ability to pull off stunning saves, Frankfurt may do well to hold on to such a hot prospect in the coming years.

RB: Philipp LAHM

Mr consistency, Lahm has been doing everything to his best since he started playing for Bayern all those years ago. Lahm has 10 assists to his name this year, his partnership with however plays in front of him has always seems to be telepathic, they know when to overlap, cross, shoot and everything else in between. Lahm also possesses wonderful defending attributes, surprisingly strong and as strong in the tackle, Lahm was and still is one of the world's best right-backs and defenders.

CM: DIEGO

The Brazilian set-piece master has been magnificent this year for Wolfsburg, scoring and setting up freely, he's been a real threat for the team and their main bright spark this season, who without him, would be languishing far further down the table. Always there to receive and play a pass, Diego is integral to his team's success, being the metronome of the attack, give him the ball and he'll make the play. People could argue he's been more influential than Toni Kroos, but Kroos has been simply superb for Bayern and has probably doubled his value this year.

Mr. Versitile: Thomas MüLLER

I think Thomas Müller could play anywhere on the pitch and he would be suited to it. Able to play anywhere in midfield and a dab hand up front, Müller is brilliant, a manager's dream. He has finishing, passing, dribbling, heading, defending, work rates, you know I could go on and on and bore you to death, but I shan't, because if you've stuck with me until now I'm astonished! However, I would love Müller in my team, he never stops and never gives up, and God loves a trier.

Youth Report: Luke Shaw

New Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino has been impressed with the youngster and believes he can make the grade “Yes, bit by bit he could get there (being an England international), I think he has a great future and at 17 I have to say he is very mature.”

High praise indeed for such a young man.

Luke Shaw, at just 17, is already tipped by most to be on the plane to Brazil with England this Summer, as back-up to Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines, such is the stature and level of performances of the young left-back. The teenager has made a huge impact on anyone who has had the pleasure of watching him this year, you’ll have noticed that  the talented youngster has all the ability in the world, and all the ability to take himself to a whole other level. Had he started against Sweden in the Under 21′s friendly game, he would have been the second youngest player to ever appear for them, behind only Theo Walcott. Another feather in Shaw’s cap is that he has pushed out Danny Fox, who was an integral part of the Saints promotion defence, to the bench and made the position his own with a string of fine performances this year including a man of the match performance against Reading which helped the south coast club to a vital win over their relegation rivals.

The main aspects of Luke Shaw’s game are his fantastic strength, making him more than apt to cope with anyone he comes up against and this paired with his speed, make him a real force to be reckoned with and extremely hard to get the better off during a battle down the line, this shown by the fact that only 7 times has Shaw been beaten by his opposite number all season and on average winning the ball back 4 times per game.  The term ‘chalk on your boots’ is often a phrase you’ll hear should you stroll down to your local park on a Saturday and Shaw certainly took heed, bombing down that left side at will and really benefiting the Saints left wing threat. Shaw also is incredibly strong in the air, able to win headers against the tallest and attackers with the best jumping in the league, all these amazing attributes have made Luke Shaw a major target for Chelsea, who are looking for a long term replacement for Ashley Cole, and the obvious comparisons and likenesses between the two are obvious for all to see.

Apart from the tricks of the trade that Luke Shaw will pick up as he matures further, I can not see much else wrong with the promising left-backs game and believe he could go on to surpass the likes of Ashley Cole. Patrice Evra and other top class left-backs from around the world to become the best there is. So long as he keeps his head down and continues with the attitude he has and seems to be really down to earth by the looks of his Twitter account, which is always an important quality of a young footballer.