As we come towards the close of yet another enthralling season in the German Bundesliga, it’s safe to say that we have had another year of thrilling football as well as plenty of incidents. But now that we are at the business end of the season, the awards are beginning to be handed out. Although the likes of Anthony Modeste, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Max Kruse will be decided, I have decided to give my “signing of the season” award to the Brazilian Raffael. It was a difficult decision but I feel that the 29 year old forward has completely justified this award with his performances throughout the season.
With 15 goals and 5 assists in the Bundesliga this season, and a WhoScored rating of 7.96, he proved a shrewd acquisition for Gladbach, as he cost them just 5 million when signed from Dynamo Kiev in the summer. He was reunited with Lucien Favre and Steve von Bergen (manager and player respectively), who he had played with at FC Zurich earlier in his career.
His main strengths are his ability to hold on to the ball, his dribbling and his passing. However, he has also proved how clinical he is in front of goal this year, as he and Kruse’s goals have propelled this Borussia towards a Champions League spot, and if not that then a Europa League position. If another couple of talents come to the Borussia Park over the summer, there is no reason why they can’t challenge Dortmund for that second spot in the Bundesliga.
All in all, I feel that the contribution that Raffael has provided for the Borussians, especially his goals, have earned him my signing of the season award.