To build a general shortlist for this ultimate squad, we have explored a handful of sources, such as Whoscored? and footballtransfers.com, that have produced their own "Best XI" squad for the 2023/24 season. Names mentioned by every source, such as the obvious Florian Wirtz, are automatically selected for this definitive MyShoeCents starting XI. This list is strictly stats-based, combining all relevant factors from matches played and eliminating biases.
Before announcing the chosen eleven players and five substitutes, here is the full list of shortlisted players:
Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, O. Baumann, Lukáš Hrádecký.
Defenders: Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton, Alejandro Grimaldo, P. Mainka, S. Van Den Berg, Nico Schlotterbeck.
Midfielders: Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Granit Xhaka, Xavi Simons, Deniz Undav, Leroy Sané.
Attackers: Harry Kane, Serhou Guirassy, Victor Boniface.
STARTING XI
Lukáš Hrádecký is definitively the best goalkeeper of the 2023/24 Bundesliga campaign.
With the best save percentage and highest number of clean sheets of all shortlisted goalkeepers, Lukáš takes the "Safest Hands" title for this ultimate XI.
He prefers the Puma Ultra Ultimate football boots, featuring a lightweight and flexible ULTRAWEAVE upper. These boots offer excellent traction with their dual-density SPEEDPLATE and enhanced stability and support through PWRTAPE.
Another Bayer Leverkusen player, Alejandro Grimaldo, is starting our defensive four in the Left-Back position.
With the highest number of assists (13), the second-highest average form (7.75), and the highest number of appearances (33) of all featured players, the Spaniard is this list's "Best Assister", "Best Defender", and "Most Reliable" player.
His boot of choice, the Adidas X Crazyfast, is a popular choice among the top players in all leagues. It features a standard lace closure, a Speedframe outsole, and an Aeropacity Speedskin upper, while containing at least 20% recycled content- making it a sustainable boot option.
In the LCB position, we're going for Nico Schlotterbeck of Borrusia Dortmund.
Not only has he helped his side secure a Champions League Group Stage spot for next season, Nico has played a vital role this season in taking Der BVB into the very final of Europe's most elite club tournament. With the third-best pass accuracy (88.8%) of all listed players, he's a top defensive anchor.
Playing in the same boots as the previously-mentioned Grimaldo, the Adidas X Crazyfast is a safe choice for defenders.
To pair with Schlotterbeck, title winner Jonathan Tah takes the RCB position.
Tah has attracted interest from European giants: Chelsea, Manchester United, and even domestic rivals, Bayern Munich. With the highest pass accuracy (94.4%) of all listed players, the second-best clean sheet record (21) and the third-best goalscoring record of all shortlisted defenders, this is no surprise. He's this list's "Best Passer".
Pairing well with his conventional play style, the Adidas Copa Pure II takes on a simple silhouette. This model's Fusionskin upper, PRIMEKNIT collar, and 20% recycled content make it a defined modern design.
To complete the defensive four, we're choosing Jeremie Frimpong and, so far, we're 4/5 players from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old is this list's "Most Agile" player, clocking the highest speed of all listed players (34.96 km/h).
His Puma Ultra Ultimate is built with a flexible ULTRAWEAVE upper, providing lightweight comfort. The dual-density SPEEDPLATE ensures outstanding traction, while the PWRTAPE offers added stability and support for the foot.
Our selected CDM is the midfield talisman, Granit Xhaka, again, of Bayer Leverkusen.
Completing the most interceptions (19) of all shortlisted midfielders, and maintaining the second-best pass accuracy (91.7%) of all listed players, the Swiss national takes on the role of "Captain" for this ultimate XI.
Wearing the Puma Future 7, his shoes feature a PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE-enhanced upper, crafted from an ultra-stretchy knit that includes at least 20% recycled materials. The removable insole incorporates NanoGrip technology to prevent slipping, while the FUZIONFIT360 upper provides a customizable, snug fit that supports play with or without laces.
On loan from PSG, Xavi Simons has put out a masterclass debut season in the Bundesliga, earning him a spot in this ultimate XI as the Left Midfielder.
Just 21 years of age, the Dutchman has amassed the second-highest number of assists (11) and the second-highest number of dribbles completed (84) of all listed players.
He wears the Puma King Ultimate, a low-cut boot with an innovative K-BETTER upper designed for optimal comfort and stretch resistance.
On the other flank, we're choosing the Bayern Munich speed demon, Leroy Sané.
He's completed the joint-second-highest number of assists (11), the highest number of dribbles (93), and clocked the second-highest speed of all listed players (35.82 km/h). Also completing the highest number of crosses (86) and maintaining the second-best average form of all shortlisted midfielders (7.65), Leroy is unreal.
The Vaporsite+ upper of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Dream Speed 8, renowned for its lightweight durability, grants Sané the grip needed for precise ball control, crucial during fast-paced Bundesliga matches.
Next up, Florian Wirtz takes the CAM position. He's the sixth and final Leverkusen player of this ultimate XI, but not the last of the list...
This season, he's managed the second-best scoring record (11 goals), the third-highest number of crosses made (36), the joint-best assists record (11), and the second-best pass accuracy (83%) of all shortlisted midfielders.
Wearing the Adidas X Crazyfast+ model, Florian promotes a sustainable football boot crafted with at least 20% recycled materials. This iteration features the advanced Aeropacity Speedskin, along with a classic lace closure, a sturdy carbon heel lock, and a cosy Primeknit collar.
To fill the Left Forward position of this ultimate XI is Serhou Guirassy of VfB Stuttgart.
With the second-highest number of goals scored (28) and the second-best penalty conversion (4/4) of all listed players, Serhou is a clinical finisher and one of the top goalscorers in this Bundesliga campaign.
His boot of choice is the Adidas Predator Laceless. This modernised classic is built with a HybridTouch 2.0 upper with Strikeskin elements for an optimal touch of the ball and contains over 20% recycled materials.
It's an easy pick; we're going with the former Tottenham man, Harry Kane, as the final attacking player.
Not only is Kane the "Top Scorer" of the list, his 36 domestic goals this 23/24 season beat every other Bundesliga player. Compared with all listed players, he's also managed the third-highest assists record (8), the best penalty conversion (5/5), maintained the best average form (7.76) and he's the only player to score from a direct free-kick. We have elected Kane as the "Most Consistent", the "Biggest Attacking Threat" and made him our "Elected Free-Kick Taker".
The key features of his Skechers SKX_01 Low are the ultra-lightweight HYPER BURST PRO cushioning, Performance FitKnit for a precise fit, a Precise Strike Control which boosts the player's control of the ball, and a multi-directional outsole for high traction on different surfaces.
SUBSTITUTES
The Number 1 of Dortmund, Gregor Kobel is our selected backup goalkeeper.
With the second-best save percentage (75.4%), the third-best clean sheet record (7), and the second-best average form (7.19) out of all shortlisted goalkeepers, the 26-year-old has a very promising future ahead.
He plays wearing the Puma Ultra Ultimate. This popular model features innovative technologies to keep you focused on your game, such as a NanoGrip sockliner to prevent foot slippage and a foot-hugging ULTRAWEAVE upper material for seamless comfort.
If we were to use five defenders in our starting XI, Patrick Mainka would certainly be there.
The Heidenheim player is a defensive engine; completing the most tackles (85), the second-highest number of shots blocked (32), and the most appearances (34) out of all shortlisted defenders.
What's more impressive: Not missing a single Bundesliga match this season or the Puma Future 7? Well, his chosen football boot is a lightweight and very popular choice for top players including Xhaka, Carvajal, Ederson, Kai Havertz, and many others.
As a backup for our starting XI strikers, Kane and Guirassy, we're picking Bayer Leverkusen's number 22, Victor Boniface.
He's made the most assists (8), achieved the second-best pass accuracy (72.2%), completed the most dribbles (46), and maintained the second-best shots-per-game record (4.42) of all shortlisted attackers.
Victor wears the Nike Mercurial Vapor XII which features a foot-wrapping Flyknit upper, a weather-resistant ACC coating, and chevron studs for increased traction.
To further back up our attacking players, Deniz Undav is a fantastic option.
With the most goals scored (18), the second-best assists record (10), and the second-highest average form (7.65) out of all shortlisted midfielders, it's fair to consider Deniz for the ultimate Bundesliga XI.
The Stuttgart man, along with many other Germans, chooses to wear Puma on his feet. This season, he's been wearing the Puma Future 7.
Jamal Musiala takes the spot as our substitute CAM.
With the second-highest number of interceptions (16) and the second-highest number of dribbles completed (87) out of all shortlisted midfielders, this 21-year-old is easily one of the best young players in Germany.
It's fair to say he's a big fan of his Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Emerald; "I love the touch and the whole technical side of the boot", he says, "the most important thing for me is comfort. If I feel comfortable in the boot, then I'll be at my best".
COOLEST BOOT
In only their early days in the football industry, Skechers have picked up very few professional footballers to promote the brand's entry and rise among giant competitors like Nike and Adidas, however, a global superstar, Harry Kane, is their frontline man and ambassador for the SKX 01 line.
The most recent edition of the Skechers SKX_01 Low proves the upcoming brand is much more than "outdated" or "unfashionable" sneakers, coming in four initial colourways that combine flashy metallic elements with vibrant tones.
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