Kagawa, Harit, Götze or Pjaca - who would be YOUR Schalke/Dortmund dream team attacking midfielder?
Borussia Dortmund and Schalke treated the world to one of the greatest matches in Bundesliga history when the Royal Blues completed one of sport's greatest ever comebacks after being 4-0 down at half-time at the Signal Iduna Park. This week the arch-rivals meet for another Revierderby at the Veltins-Arena with the winner having one hand on second place.
Ahead of Sunday's fixture, bundesliga.com is giving you the chance to vote for your Revierderby dream team. All 11 positions are up for grabs, and it's your votes that will determine the final combined Schalke-Dortmund XI, which we will present to you ahead of the big match.
The four candidates for the attacking midfield position are: Mario Götze, Amine Harit, Shinji Kagawa and Marko Pjaca. Cast your votes in the poll below!
Götze guaranteed himself a place in the history books with the winning goal at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but the Dortmund midfielder has spent much of the intervening time trying to prove he’s no one-trick pony. At his best, few could match the 25-year-old attacking midfielder for skill, technique and innovation — just watch that goal against Argentina again — but the media spotlight and a series of injuries have taken their toll over the years. With two goals and two assists in 19 Bundesliga games this term, Götze is by no means certain of a place at the 2018 World Cup, but you can guarantee that BVB’s ‘once-in-a-century’ talent will fight tooth and nail to earn his spot in Russia.
Kagawa is also hoping to feature at the summer showpiece after being left out of November’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium by Japan coach Vahid Halilhodzic, who has just been replaced by Akira Nishino. The 29-year-old looked to be hitting form when he suffered an ankle injury in February, and has notched five goals and an assist in his 18 Bundesliga appearances this season.
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Harit has been one of the revelations of this Bundesliga season, and the Morocco international has already won over the Schalke faithful after his sensational performance in November’s Revierderby. With the Royal Blues 4-0 down, the 20-year-old came off the bench and turned the game on its head, putting his body on the line to provide the attacking impetus that allowed the visitors to snatch an improbable draw. A tricky attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, Harit has scored three and set up three more, and looks well on his way to becoming a genuine Bundesliga star.
Pjaca has only made six league appearances since joining on loan from Juventus in January, but that has been sufficient for the Croatia international to make a splash. Schalke fans will no doubt be keen to see more of the 22-year-old forward after he scored the opener against Hannover and grabbed a vital winner at home to Hertha Berlin.