He's their Thomas Muller! Borussia Dortmund told they 'need' to keep defender who acts as strong 'role model' in bid to challenge Bayern Munich

Dortmund’s recent performances have highlighted the importance of having strong, consistent figures at the back, and Schlotterbeck has emerged as a vital component. The German centre-back has recovered from a serious meniscus injury sustained in April, returning to full 90-minute action in their last two Bundesliga games. As Matthaus writes in his latest column in Sky Sport: “Schlotterbeck is to BVB what Thomas Muller was to Bayern. He's a player with a strong mentality that Dortmund needs in the future and wants to extend his contract. The German national team defender brings the necessary attitude and quality and is simply a role model for the team. I'm not surprised that he's coming back and performing immediately.”

The praise from the Bayern great underscores the strategic importance of retaining Schlotterbeck. By likening him to Muller, Matthaus emphasises Schlotterbeck’s ability to influence games beyond pure defensive metrics. Matthaus further contextualises Dortmund’s challenge against Bayern in Bundesliga, noting: “Ultimately, of course, it's largely up to Bayern themselves to decide who will win the German championship. If Munich continues to play like this, things will be very difficult for Dortmund, even though they're performing just as well as the German record champions in their own way.”

Niko Kovac's team have kept clean sheets in both Bundesliga games since Schlotterbeck returned to the starting XI, reflecting both his individual quality and the structure he brings to the backline. His high tackling success rate and ability to win possession under pressure make him a defensive anchor. The 25-year-old has previously played a key role in the club’s Champions League campaigns, including reaching the final alongside Mats Hummels. Dortmund remain unbeaten in 13 competitive matches this season, and Schlotterbeck’s presence is central to their ambition to compete with Bayern for the Bundesliga title and maintain European credibility.

Schlotterbeck’s form at Dortmund has placed him in contention for a starting role with the German national team, especially with aging or regressing defenders like Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger. Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Schlotterbeck will feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Retaining Schlotterbeck ensures continuity and leadership for both club and country, reinforcing Dortmund’s defensive backbone ahead of major international competitions.

Dortmund are set to host Athletic Club following a dramatic 4-4 draw against Juventus in the Champions League, showcasing both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. Maintaining Schlotterbeck in the squad will be key to weathering challenging fixtures in Europe and domestically. Dortmund also face more group-stage matches, including encounters with Copenhagen, Manchester City, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham, and Inter Milan. With Bayern leading the Bundesliga by two points, Dortmund’s ability to keep their defensive core intact, led by Schlotterbeck, could prove crucial in challenging for the title while pursuing deep European runs.