With Der Klassiker looming giant, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are set to lock horns as soon as once more in a conflict that bears large ramifications for the 2025/26 title race. Coming to the fore will likely be a showdown between two of Germany’s premier central defenders, Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah. But how do their profiles evaluate? The Bundesliga is right here with the solutions…
As teammates on the worldwide stage and rivals on the home, Schlotterbeck and Tah signify two of the best centre-backs within the Bundesliga and but embody contrasting interpretations of the trendy central defender.
The tip of the iceberg regarding their variations begins with which is their most popular foot – Schlotterbeck favouring his left and Tah his proper – although unsurprisingly, it goes a lot deeper than that.
When it involves the basics of defending – successful duels – Tah simply edges out over his Germany compatriot at current. This time period, Bayern’s No.4 has managed to prevail in 60 p.c of his duels. The former Bayer Leverkusen man is especially authoritative within the air, successful a formidable 70 p.c in his tried challenges.
Jonathan Tah is an imposing determine and notably sturdy aerially. – IMAGO/JOERAN STEINSIEK
Schlotterbeck, however, is a shade much less profitable on this regard, successful 59 p.c of his particular person duels this time period, which, while very respectable, is down on earlier campaigns when he has posted figures of 66 and 67 p.c. That being mentioned, the Dortmund man does get entangled in additional duels on common per sport than his Bayern counterpart (17 to Tah’s 13).
Nevertheless, as is the case with most nice defenders, Schlotterbeck has lots extra strings to his bow than merely a penchant for tackling. It is with the ball at his ft the place the previous Freiburg man actually shines.
Dortmund’s No.4 is consistently concerned in his aspect’s build-up play, ceaselessly carrying the ball out of defence to provoke assaults and spraying lengthy passes from deep. Indeed, no outfield participant within the Bundesliga makes an attempt extra lengthy balls from open play per 90 minutes than Schlotterbeck (9).
Watch: ‘Schlotti’ flexing all-round prowess
Tah’s strategy, nonetheless, is extra measured. His cross completion charge of 96 p.c – the most effective in the whole league – speaks to safety and effectivity, albeit largely being performed throughout shorter distances. Where Schlotterbeck seeks incision and takes dangers, Tah appears to worth composure and solidity above all else.
There can also be an offensive dimension to each gamers’ video games, albeit expressed in a different way. Schlotterbeck has a eager eye for aim and is among the many most potent central defenders within the league in entrance of it.
Fourteen profession Bundesliga strikes thus far underline that risk, with three of these arriving this season alone. It might be mentioned that Schlotterbeck is a subscriber to the ‘if you don’t purchase a ticket’ adage – these three strikes having come from a complete of 26 efforts on aim.
Watch: The better of Schlotterbeck in 2025/26
In his personal proper, Tah is able to weighing in as effectively; one thing he has demonstrated this time period with targets towards Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig on Matchdays 5 and 18 respectively. A case might be made for Tah’s superior effectivity in entrance of aim, having netted twice from seven whole makes an attempt, however regardless, his major focus stays defensive assurance somewhat than attacking journey.
So, the distinction is obvious. Schlotterbeck personifies proactive distribution, keen to embrace danger and drive the sport ahead, while Tah represents the commanding organiser, outlined by energy within the tackles and an immaculately constant use of the ball.
Perhaps Schlotterbeck himself has summarised the dynamic finest. Speaking in Germany’s pre-match press convention forward of a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in back in October 2025, the Dortmund man make clear the pair’s relationship, sharing: “I’ve known Jona for a few years now and I’m always happy to play with him. We complement each other well.
Schlotterbeck (r.) has mentioned he believes Tah (l.) is a “higher defender” than him. – IMAGO
“Jona may be very communicative on the pitch and crucial to me in that regard. Defensively, he has been a really sturdy defender for years now and has finished extraordinarily effectively. For me, the ball-playing facet is maybe a bit extra fascinating than for him. He’s maybe a greater defender, although. That’s why we’re a very good match,” he added.
The respect is definitely mutual too, with Tah saying of Schlotterbeck throughout one other Germany camp in November: “He is an impressive participant who at all times works on himself and at all times needs to enhance.”
For now, although, admiration should give strategy to rivalry. On Matchday 24, when Der Klassiker rolls around as soon as extra, these two worldwide teammates will discover themselves going through off within the largest fixture of the German soccer calendar, as BVB look to shut the hole on their Bavarian rivals within the race for the Meisterschale to 5 factors.
