DW's Bundesliga team of the first half
Budding stars, resurging comebackers, and unexpected surprises. DW has them all in their Bundesliga team of the first half.
Goalkeeper: Ralf Fährmann, Schalke
Schalke have had their struggles this season, but one of the constants in their young team is Ralf Fährmann. His shot-stopping and command of the penalty area have improved greatly, and Schalke's defense has benefitted from his leadaership. He will have to continue to be on point if Schalke want to get back into the Champions League. Honorable mentions: Manuel Neuer, Loris Karius
Defender: Mitchell Weiser, Hertha Berlin
After just four months, Mitchell Weiser is already the best addition of the season. He has grasped the opportunity to play in the German captial, and now he is one of the best fullbacks in Germany. Still just 21 years old, he has raised his ceiling of potential, and Hertha Berlin could have some staying power if his good form improves. Honorable mentions: Matthias Ginter, Vieirinha
Defender: Benjamin Hübner, Ingolstadt
His ball skills are not as great as Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels, but Ingolstadt's defensive success is largely because of Benjamin Hübner (middle). Clubs found few routes to goal due to his positioning, and he closed down many potent attackers. Ingolstadt must to continue to defend well to stay in the Bundesliga, and that starts with Hübner. Honerable mentions: Jannik Vestergaard, Sokratis
Defender: Sebastian Langkamp, Hertha Berlin
Salomon Kalou and Vedad Ibisevic aded a lot in attack, but it was Sebastian Langkamp (right) that helped keep everyone in line. It did not matter who is partner was; if he was on the field, then Hertha usually got a result. Pal Dardai's tactical creativity can come out much easier knowing that Langkamp is in the back holding down the fort. Honorable mentions: Jerome Boateng, Joel Matip
Defender: Jonas Hector, Cologne
The lights went out occasionally in Cologne's attack, but that did not matter with how well they were defending. A big part of that solution was Jonas Hector (right), who is developing into a top fullback. He may not have the positional flexibility of David Alaba, but he has rock solid defensive skill set and can help drive the attack forward. Honorable mentions: David Alaba, Ricardo Rodriguez
Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Borussia Dortmund
Nearly cast out as a failure, Henrikh Mkhitaryan had his Bundesliga career revitalized under Thomas Tuchel. He is thriving in Dortmund's new two-touch system, leading the Bundesliga with eight assists. Dortmund continue to struggle with injuries, but Mkhitaryan has become a selection Tuchel can depend on. Honerable mentions: Julian Draxler, Lewis Holtby
Midfielder: Ilkay Gündogan, Borussia Dortmund
Back to full fitness, Ilkay Gündogan (right) has been a big key for Dortmund's return to the title race. Thomas Tuchel relied on his direction in midfield, and many of the chances he has started come up with a potent shot at the end of it. Several clubs are trying to pry him away from Dortmund, and one can understand why after his first half. Honorable mentions: Julian Weigl, Xabi Alonso
Midfielder: Douglas Costa, Bayern Munich
Not many players have burst onto the Bundesliga scene like Douglas Costa did. He electrified German football right out of the gate, providing the defending champions with a new, exciting way to play the game. Fitness issues kept him out near the end of 2015, but he will spark the Bundesliga again upon his return. Honorable mentions: Ibrahima Traore, Yunus Malli
Forward: Thomas Müller, Bayern Munich
Thomas Müller had strong seasons in years past, but this season may trump them all. With 14 goals, he has already surpassed his Bundesliga high, and he has become part of one of the deadliest forward combinations in football. He will be key to Bayern Munich achievements this season, and may have a season we will never forget. Honorable mentions: Lars Stindl, Daniel Didavi
Forward: Robert Lewandowski, Bayern Munich
If his world record five-goal performance was not enough, Robert Lewandowski 10 more in the Bundesliga just in case. Once players got injured though, his production diminished, but he was able to help the attacking buildup by starting in a deeper position. As long as he stays fit, he should make the race for the top Bundesliga scorer very interesting. Honorable mentions: Chicharito, Raffael
Forward: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Borussia Dortmund
The best way to wrap one's head around Aubameyang's 18 goals this season is to consider that Alexander Meier, last season's top scorer, scored 19 all of last season. Not many of his chances have missed the mark, and has put Dortmund quickly ahead on several occasions. Finishing is his game, and this fall he proved how god he is at it. Honorable mentions: Yoshinori Muto, Salomon Kalou