Lucien Favre has shown no signs of dimming his faith in young players ahead of the 2019-20 Bundesliga.

Favre’s exciting side, built around exciting youngsters, took the German top flight by storm in the early stages of the 2018-19 campaign, and despite eventually being overhauled by old hands Bayern Munich, they caused real concern in Bavaria.

Bayern’s side have been slowly ageing over recent seasons, whilst their foes in the Rhineland have been bold and focused on young players to bring success – with Favre leading the project. The former Swiss international was known for cultivating talent during his two years in Ligue 1, with Nice, and he has continued that in Germany.

Achraf Hakimi, Abdou Diallo and Dan Zagadou were key figures at the back, with England international Jadon Sancho continuing his meteoric rise with 13 League goals alongside Paco Alcacer and club hero Marco Reus. Former Manchester City attacker Sancho was linked with a big-money return to the Premier League, however he has committed himself to the cause for one more season at least.

Favre has dipped deeper into the transfer market ahead of his second season at the club, with youth and attacking power again at the heart of his decisions. Germany international Julian Brandt gives the impression that he has been around forever, after racking up over 200 appearance for Bayer Leverkusen, however only turned 23 at the end of last season. Dortmund wasted no time in activating his €25m release clause in June and he is set to add another layer of craft and speed to the Yellow and Gold attack for the season ahead.

Favre will put his faith in the majority of last season’s squad for 2019-20, with former skipper Mats Hummels returning from Bayern Munich to provide an excellent defensive example to the impressive Zagadou.