Five Bundesliga insights show why Harry Kane isn’t the only star

As the first international break approaches, Borussia Dortmund sit top of the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich a close second, while a host of other narratives – from record‑breaking strikes to promoted clubs challenging the elite – have already defined the opening weeks. The season’s early excitement is captured in five key talking points, a summary first highlighted by Alex Grimm.

Goal‑rich opening weeks

Across the first four matchdays, a total of 137 goals have been scored, with Bayern Munich contributing the highest tally at 14. Harry Kane’s brace against Union Berlin pushed his Bundesliga total to 100 goals in just 98 games, eclipsing Dieter Müller’s 1977 record by 31 fewer matches.

Michael Olise celebrated his inaugural club hat‑trick in the same fixture, while Alphonso Davies notched two assists to become Canada’s record holder for Bundesliga appearances, reaching 171.

Dortmund’s perfect start

Borussia Dortmund have won all four of their league matches, the only side to do so, and sit on 12 points – a feat not achieved since 2015. Their victories have often come late, with Albian Hajdari’s own‑goal securing a 2‑0 win over Hamburg, and Felix Nmecha’s brace sealing a 3‑0 triumph at Paderborn.

Their defence has been stingy, conceding only once – in the Supercup loss to Bayern – and Joane Gadou has integrated well alongside Germany internationals Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton.

Promoted clubs punching above their weight

Elversberg, a newly promoted side from a town of just over 14,000, have already defeated Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, held Schalke to a draw and suffered only a narrow defeat to Bayern, placing them seventh in the table.

Meanwhile, champions‑to‑be Schalke and play‑off winners Paderborn sit 11th and 12th respectively, underscoring the league’s newfound competitiveness.

Emerging German talent

Former full‑back Felix Keidel, now operating as a central midfielder for Elversberg, has attracted the attention of national team manager Jürgen Klopp, earning a call‑up for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Serbia and Greece.

These developments, alongside the prolific form of established stars, suggest the Bundesliga’s narrative this season extends far beyond Harry Kane’s record‑breaking exploits.