Forget Rüdiger and Tah, Anton shines at Dortmund in the Bundesliga

Forget Rüdiger and Tah, because Waldemar Anton is in absolute top form at Borussia Dortmund and statistically belongs to the best central defenders of the Bundesliga. The 30‑year‑old German defender delivers a solid block every match and is seen by experts as the current top choice for the German national team.

Top form and statistics

Anton statistically belongs to the best in the Bundesliga regarding won tackles, aerial duels and interceptions. His efficiency in defensive actions is supported by a high percentage of won tackles. In the 2025/26 season he missed only three of Dortmund’s 47 official matches. In the 35 competitive matches he played, he was on the field for the full 90 minutes each time.

Dortmund’s defensive organization is, under coach Niko Kovács, like a house. Last season the club had the least conceded defence with only 34 goals against. After four matchdays the club has not conceded a single goal, except two in total, and stands with a two‑point lead over Bayern Munich. Anton’s constant presence is a key factor in this unbeaten start.

When he left his former club for Dortmund two years ago, his departure was still mocked by the Stuttgart fans. After a difficult first season with two muscle injuries he became a regular. Despite the criticism he stayed focused; with every ball he touched he earned the scorn of the opponents. Together with his teammates he kept a clean sheet and with the Borussen he thus reinforced the unbeaten run.

Leadership and team dynamics

Anton describes his bond with striker Serhou Guirassy as an open dialogue on the pitch. “It actually happens in almost every match that at some point we shout at each other,” Waldemar Anton recently said about his relationship with Serhou Guirassy. “Even when it gets a bit intense at times,” Anton added.

Saturday evening, during the 1‑0 win over VfB Stuttgart, Guirassy left the field too slowly in the 74th minute, causing substitute Fabio Silva to wait sixty seconds. Dortmund therefore played briefly with ten men, after which coach Niko Kovács visibly reacted angrily to Guirassy’s behaviour. Anton used the situation to address Guirassy again at his own pace. The ten‑man situation gave Dortmund a short period under pressure, but the team held its ground.

Coach Niko Kovács praised Anton before the first Champions League match against Villarreal. “He is a leader. Someone who sets a good example. He thinks, eats, sleeps and breathes football 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He is there for his teammates, never gives up and gives everything for the team. He is a role model for others.” Kovács called Anton a regular in the squad months ago. The coach even calls him “Ironman” because of his virtually uninterrupted involvement.

National team coach Jürgen Klopp looks for exactly the qualities that Anton possesses in the German national team. According to the statistics there is currently no other German central defender performing better than Anton. With his discipline, mentality and resilience Anton sets a good example for the national side. It would therefore be surprising if he does not get an important role in the renewed national team.