2016/17 Bundesliga Team of the Season: Centre-backs I

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Incredible as it seems, the 2016/17 Bundesliga season is already drawing to a close, and as usual at the business end of a campaign, it is time to hand out the prizes. We want you to decide who is honoured by voting for the bundesliga.com Team of the Season.

John Brooks(Hertha Berlin)

You now have to decide on the first of the two men who will form the heart of your back four. Will you go for the ball-playing centre-back or the rugged none-shall-pass stopper? Perhaps you'll opt for the silk and steel approach by mixing the two... the choice is yours.

The Berlin Wall fell in 1989, but there remains one impassable barrier in the German capital in the imposing form of the USMNT defender. Only just over a third of challengers to the "Wall of Brooks" emerged triumphant while the 1.93-metre colossus reigned supreme in the air, winning 69 per cent of his aerial duels. His distribution skills are not to be underestimated either with an 87 per cent pass completion rate that must have coach Pal Dardai purring.

Mats Hummels (Bayern)

The former Dortmund man's first season back at his alma mater has been an unqualified success. His combative qualities have not deserted him in attack or defence, with an outstanding 23 attempts on goals from set pieces alone, but his passing range is what has really marked him out from the rest. With 89 per cent of his attempts finding their intended receiver, the Germany international has been a driving factor behind Bayern's irrepressible forward momentum this season.

Jesus Vallejo (Eintracht Frankfurt)

The 20-year-old Spaniard's first season in Germany has given him the opportunity to show far more than a glimpse of his enormous potential. He has displayed a sublime example of the passing philosophy held dear by many of his compatriots to help the third-meanest defence in the Bundesliga retain possession (85 per cent pass completion) as well as initiate attacks.