Dortmund’s strong defence under Kovač owes much to Waldemar Anton.
Dortmund’s solid defence under Niko Kovač is largely built on Waldemar Anton. After covering for Nico Schlotterbeck early on, the centre‑back now brings consistency, composure and leadership to Germany’s new era with Jürgen Klopp.
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Despite the lack of club football, the summer months proved far from stress-free for Dortmund’s hierarchy. Alongside negotiating a host of transfers, the club had to contend with the loss of star defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who injured his ankle at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Germany.
This meant that BVB would head into the new Bundesliga season without their vice captain and also captain Emre Can for at least the first few matches. Who, then, would step up to lead the backline in their absence?
Watch:Anton’s highlight reel
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Anton arrived from VfB Stuttgart in summer 2024 and needed time to adapt. Yet the German international quickly turned that adjustment period into a model of consistency from day one.
Together with youngsters Joane Gadou and Filippo Mane, Anton helped Dortmund keep clean sheets in three of their first four league games. The latest 1‑0 victory over his former club Stuttgart saw him partner Schlotterbeck at the heart of the defence.
Even without a dramatic 3‑2 win at Hoffenheim, the fact that Kovač’s side has stayed solid says a lot. The concern here is that, despite missing their two nominal leaders, the backline still holds firm.
BVB head coach Kovač (l.) has handed Anton (r.) the reins of the defence this season. – IMAGO/Frank Hoermann / SVEN SIMON
“Waldi leads, and he does it by example,” Kovač said before the September Champions League tie with Villarreal.
At 30, Anton’s next chance to prove himself comes with the national team. Klopp named the Dortmund defender for Nations League matches against Serbia on Oct 1 and Greece three days later.
Turning club form into a bigger international role is the next hurdle. Julian Nagelsmann already praised him as “the glue that holds the team together” and a quiet leader.
Those remarks sum up Anton’s value. He adds experience to a shifting back line, steps up when seniors are absent and gives his coach a player he can trust implicitly.
His dependability shone last season, when he started all 35 Bundesliga and DFB Cup games. A 91 % pass completion rate highlighted the security he provides on the ball.
As Klopp reviews his centre‑back options, Anton appears ready to become a regular in the new manager’s Germany squad. Will Anton cement his spot in Klopp’s national team this season?
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