The Bundesliga's best young players XI

A bright light in the darkest of seasons for Cologne, Horn has won plaudits for his displays even as his side have conceded an average of two goals a game. Though he's 24, which makes him a year too old for what is otherwise an under-23 XI, the 2016 Olympic gold medal winner is the league's youngest goalkeeping regular. Despite relegation, he's already said he'll stay with Cologne in 2018-19.

Bayern's title-winning squad is packed with experience but their young defender is one of their key men. Kimmich, 23, has improved his defensive work dramatically over the past couple of seasons but maintains the composure and technique that first saw him emerge as a central midfielder - he's racked up 12 assists in 28 games.

The German center back (left) has been one of several prospects to thrive under Domenico Tedesco this term. Strong in the tackle and comfortable on the ball, Kehrer, 21, has been a regular as Schalke secured passage back to the Champions League. The former Stuttgart youth teamer has also demonstrated an eye for goal of late, with a double against Augsburg on matchday 33.

Captain of the French under-21 side, Diallo (right) has been quite the capture for Mainz. The €5 million the Bundesliga side paid to bring the 22-year-old from Monaco looks sound business as he's thrived both at center back and on the left side of defense. Strong in the air, quick and a natural reader of the game, Diallo is already attracting interest from elsewhere.

Another bargain buy, Wolf will cost Frankfurt just €500,000 when they make his loan move from Hannover permanent in July. A hard-working and versatile player strong in one-on-one situations, Wolf, 22, has contributed five goals and nine assists in a season of over-achievement for Niko Kovac's Eagles.

Signed last July from Young Boys in his native Switzerland, Zakaria, 21, has impressed in an underwhelming season for the Foals. Physically imposing and a smart recycler of possession, he's missed just four of Gladbach's games this year. Two of those were a result of the 10 yellow cards he's picked up, something he'll need to improve on as he develops.

In 2018, Goretzka's imminent free transfer to Bayern Munich has made more headlines than his performances. But in the first half of the season, he demonstrated the ability that has long seen him marked as one of Germany's brightest prospects. The 23-year-old has a good engine, excellent vision and is defensively responsible. But he'll have to step up a notch again next term.

Unlike Goretzka, the English teenager has improved as the season has gone on. His early displays were marked by questionable decision-making, understandable in a player who has just turned 18, but in recent weeks his outrageous talent has shone through - he has two goals and two assists in his last four games. Even English champions Manchester City may rue letting him slip through the net.

Another allowed to leave the Premier League - this time departing Arsenal - Gnabry has enjoyed an excellent season under Julian Nagelsmann at Hoffenheim. Deployed all across the front line, the 22-year-old, on loan from Bayern Munich, is rapid with and without the ball. He's also become increasingly decisive in the final third, scoring a goal every 152 minutes this term.

Likely to be Germany's front man at the World Cup, Werner - like his club - hasn't quite been able to replicate the blistering form that brought him 21 league goals last season. Nevertheless, his searing pace and cool finishing have still seen him average just under a goal every two games. At just 22, Werner already has more than 150 Bundesliga appearances under his belt.

Arguably the standout star of the first half of the campaign, the exciting Jamaican's direct, skillful wingplay has helped his club to the verge of Champions League qualification. Among many highlights was a sensational backheeled goal against Hoffenheim that will be in the running for goal of the season. His impact has alerted big clubs across Europe to the former Genk man's talents.