Bundesliga and the rest: Domestic and European competition discussion

In terms of the biggest flop for the amount spent, I would say it's Cordoba.

Other players I'd add to the overall list are Jorge Mere, Terrazino, Pollersbeck, and Kodro.

 

Apart from the big name signings like Thiago and James Rodriguez, there appears to be a high portion of flops from La Liga. Jorge Mere and Kodro already mentioned.

Schalke also brought in Pablo Insua who hasn't even played yet. Last season they signed Coke from Seville, but he got severely injured and no longer has a role even after returning. Can't say that Camacho at Wolfsburg has really been that convincing either.

From last season, Halilovic was a major flop. Not directly from the La Liga, but another former Barcelona dud Bojan Krkic's loan at Mainz was a waste of time as well. Cordoba's previous club was Mainz but he was signed from La Liga before that too.

 

On the other hand, I think the best signings this season have been: Süle, Tolisso, Rudy, Philipp (pre-injury), Selke, Zakaria, Harit, Marius Wolf, Kohr, Gregoritsch, and Uduokhai.

 

Almost forgot about the English players. Yes, that is true. The likes of Reece Oxford, Ryan Kent, and Kaylen Hinds have all been disappointments. Oliver Burke, the Scot is another example who never made sense for Leipzig. In contrast, at least players who joined from Chelsea in the past like De Bruyne and Christensen were much better quality.

Dug back a bit more and Timothee Kolodziejczak was another major flop who came from La Liga.

 

The XI seems about right although the CB spots are debatable IMO. I think the Bender bros have quietly put together a solid campaign. Tah become more consistent as the season progressed. Maybe even someone like Vestergaard, Ginter, or Kehrer. As Gladbach and Schalke have improved in form defensively. Goretzka if he wasn't injured would be among there too.

 

The new coach effect giving Dortmund a boost, with their 2nd straight win. They move into 3rd place currently. Although RB Leipzig and Leverkusen still have games to play tomorrow.

 

Fortuna Duesseldorf back in the 2BL standings lead after winning a tough match away at Braunschweig. FCN only drew against last place Kaiserslautern. While Holstein Kiel is also unable to make up ground, and appears to be on their way to a loss versus Sandhausen. Ingolstadt have a been a rising team. However, Union Berlin continue to lose momentum and are now in 6th place.

 

I think Leverkusen have been under-using Joel Pohjanpalo. He's shown to be an effective bench/rotation player for them before and after his injury last season.

Given the right place and opportunity he could be like Alfred Finnbogason who's been great for Augsburg this season.

 

Meanwhile former Hoffenheimer Roberto Firmino is on his way to having a career best season with Liverpool.

Firmino goals by season:
2015/16: 11
2016/17: 12
2017/18: 13

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) December 17, 2017