In Focus: Five Bundesliga stars to watch from Haller to Nkunku

The Bundesliga is arguably the most entertaining of Europe's big five leagues. 

Germany's top flight is remarkably competitive and sees high-scoring games on a regular basis — creating the perfect environment for creative threats and goalscorers to flourish. 

Ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, we take a look at five players to watch out for.

Sebastien Haller

Borussia Dortmund lost a goal machine this summer in Erling Haaland — but they have found an outstanding replacement for the Norwegian. 

Sebastien Haller did not have the best of times at West Ham but his spell with Ajax was remarkably productive.

The £30million summer signing scored 47 times in 65 outings for the Amsterdam-based side before agreeing to return to Germany.

His last season in the Bundesliga saw him net 15 in 29 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt. 

With the exception of his stint in England, the 28-year-old has always been a reliable goalscorer, so it would be a surprise if he was not regularly finding the net at the Westfalenstadion. 

BVB built a potent attacking system around Haaland — there is no reason why they cannot do the same for Haller.

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane finished the 2021-22 season on a high, operating as Liverpool's central striker. 

His goals helped the Reds to three finals and a second-place finish in the Premier League as he ended the campaign with 23 strikes in all competitions — his second-highest return for the Merseysiders. 

Bayern paid a relatively low fee for Mane due to his contract situation. But that price tag does not reflect his quality and supporters should not assume his powers are waning. 

The 30-year-old is going to be one of the biggest threats in Germany — and it would not be a surprise to see him surpass his record of 26 goals in a single campaign.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Bundesliga fans are yet to see the real Dominik Szoboszlai. 

Signed by RB Leipzig in January 2021, his first six months at the Red Bull Arena were plagued by a groin injury. 

The Red Bulls then went through a transitional season with Jesse Marsch taking over and ultimately being replaced by Domenico Tedesco. 

Leeds chief Marsch heaped praise on the youngster prior to his dismissal. 

He said: "As talent goes, there aren't many better players that can play his [Szoboszlai's] position — some are strong, some are technical, some are good tactically, and some can defend well or run a lot. 

"However, Dominik is special because he has all of these skills combined." 

The 21-year-old's bedding-in period was ultimately gatecrashed by the new systems and requirements of different managers. 

A full pre-season could be huge for Szoboszlai, who has an abundance of potential. 

Patrik Schick

Only Robert Lewandowski scored more goals than Patrik Schick last season. 

The Czech Republic international netted 24 times in just 27 league outings and signed a new deal with the club in May despite interest from Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen have added reinforcements to their attack this summer, while also keeping hold of star winger Moussa Diaby. 

That can only be a positive for Schick — and there is every chance the 26-year-old will score over 20 goals in consecutive campaigns for the first time in his career.

Christopher Nkunku

Christopher Nkunku was relentless last term. 

The 24-year-old racked up 33 goal contributions in just 34 Bundesliga appearances. He finished with 20 strikes and 13 assists in what can only be described as a season to remember.

Linked with a host of top European clubs this summer, Nkunku ended doubts over his future by extending his deal at the Red Bull Arena in June. 

A key part of Tedesco's new-look team, expect him to have yet another big campaign this time around.