Bundesliga Fantasy First Draft

In this article we take a look at a Bundesliga Fantasy first draft. Our expert and regular contributor @paramorenumetal shares his first draft, explains some of the rationale behind his picks and what could change before the season starts.

Our experts Bundesliga Fantasy first draft could be hugely enlightening for readers. Knowing how one of the best managers in the game is going to set up for the new season could help bring clarity to player picks and more.

First Draft

Goalkeeper

Labrović (5m / FCA) – Labrović can be a great budget option for a starting goalkeeper this season. Augsburg opens their campaign at home against Bremen, followed by an away fixture at Heidenheim.

Defenders

Grimaldo (20m / B04) – Grimaldo is a must-own after last season, where he became the highest scoring defender in the game’s history. His contributions were key in Leverkusen’s undefeated title-winning run. His consistency makes him a reliable choice. Leverkusen kick off their title defence in MD1 against Gladbach.

Raum (15m / RBL) – Raum accumulated 10 G/A last season. Leipzig face Bochum at home in the first matchday, providing a favourable matchup. Raum will likely be in most teams come MD1 – and for good reason.

Akpoguma (7m / TSG) – With Hoffenheim playing against newly promoted Holstein Kiel at home on Matchday 1, Akpoguma is a solid short-term pick. He offers potential for clean sheet points and perhaps an attacking contribution. He has started recent pre-season games at CB and can provide good value at only 7m.

Midfielders

Musiala (20m / FCB) – While Wirtz – and others – are tempting for this spot, Musiala’s higher ceiling cements his place in my team. I expect him to be the highest scoring midfielder for the first four MDs, and he’s still expected to play for Bayern, of course.

Olmo (16m / RBL) – Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo will be high in confidence after a good tournament with Spain. Olmo should be in peak fitness for Leipzig’s opener against Bochum, too. As he is currently expected to start as the attacking mid in MD1 for Leipzig, he remains a good pick.

Brandt (14m / BVB) – Brandt still managed to be the joint-second top assist provider in the 23/24 season despite missing a lot of games. With Dortmund hosting Frankfurt in MD1, Brandt has a good opportunity to shine early in the season.

Gruda (11m / M05) – Gruda ended last season on a high note, tallying four goals and assists in Mainz’s final six games. His impressive performance even earned him a call-up to Germany’s squad for a friendly against Ukraine ahead of the Euros. Given this momentum, I expect him to have a strong start this season.

Forwards

Openda (15m / RBL) – Openda is a bargain at 15m, especially considering he was the third highest scoring player (in terms of goals) last season. Leipzig’s opening fixture is against Bochum, who narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Malen (12m / BVB) – Malen scored 13 goals last season. Dortmund face Frankfurt, of whom they have a strong record over. I expect Malen to continue being a valuable asset.

Kramarić (10m / TSG) – Kramarić is another underpriced forward, especially given his stellar form at the end of last season. Facing newly promoted Kiel at home offers a perfect chance to capitalize on his good form.

Bench – GK – Phillip (1m / TSG), DEF – Dahaba (2m / STP), Theuerkauf (1m – HDH), MID – Keller (1m – HDH).