BVB report card

Despite a frustrating German Cup final defeat to rivals Bayern, Borussia Dortmund can be extremely pleased with their 2013/14 season. On top of that cup run, a second-placed finish with a strong points haul is just the progress that Jürgen Klopp will have wanted to make after Bayern's treble-winning season. Second may be the first loser, but given the obstacles in Dortmund's path, getting there was still a success.

Key player

Even in the face of the brilliant Robert Lewandowski, whose form admirably improved after the news of his move to Bayern was confirmed, Marco Reus' creative involvement and will to win makes him Dortmund's key player. Sixteen goals and 14 assists are one thing, but his ability to drive intelligently towards goal is pivotal to Dortmund's counterattacking gameplan. Frightening acceleration and great vision when at top speed perhaps even makes him Germany's most exciting player ahead of the World Cup.

Surprise player

Given all the injuries this season, it is no surprise that a defender comes on top in this category. Sokratis had an outstanding season, but was purchased as a Felipe Santana upgrade. Manuel Friedrich recovered from a wobbly start to be solid, and Kevin Grosskreutz provided more evidence of his versatility, this season at right-back. But in terms of surprise and progression, none have done more than left-back Erik Durm. From a stand-in to a regular, the 22-year-old is now even being considered for Germany's World Cup squad. That performance against Real Madrid in Dortmund was, all things considered, just outstanding.

Coach

There's little more to say about the league's wittiest and often most amusing coach. Jürgen Klopp has thrown puns and made jokes so unlike most modern coaches that many want to support the club just because of him. And yet behind all of that entertainment lies a managerial style that continues to evolve. Considering the wave of injuries that affected his side's form this season, he should be proud of what Dortmund have done. His paternal nature is also a rarity, and is one of the main reasons each of his players can give more when it matters most.

Defining moment

As Marcel Schmelzer diligently pointed out to us back in December, Dortmund's injury crisis was a costly one. The tweet above was sent at the start of December. Dortmund had just lost to Wolfsburg, a defeat that saw them lose a number of players to injury and started their costly run of bad form. Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels, Marcel Schmelzer, Nuri Sahin and Marco Reus were all out at one time, and add Sven Bender, Lukasz Piszczek and Ilkay Gündogan to that list and it's clear to see how the club's rhythm and form were broken.

What's next?

More development and growth await the club. If they can sign Italian striker Ciro Immobile, as they are rumored to be doing, then Lewandowski's departure would be resolved. With Hertha's Adrian Ramos already on his way, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with a season behind him and hopefully Ilkay Gündogan returning to fitness, the club can be extremely positive about their challenge next season. Nuri Sahin's permanent return is also a big positive for the club, particularly considering his unnoticed but important form.

Grade: B+

Had they won the DFB Pokal, they may well have been given an A. Not winning the league has by no means made it a bad season, especially considering the nature of Bayern's early dominance, but for a club of their stature, titles are what count. Despite the fact the trophy cabinet hasn't been added to, their progress has been fantastic. Imagine if they had got that third goal against Madrid...