Bayern Munich lead the German top-flight at the end of the Hinrunde, but which players make our best XI for the 2017-18 season so far?

Getty ImagesJiri Pavlenka (Werder Bremen)The 25-year-old goalkeeper only joined Werder Bremen from Slavia Prague in the summer, but has already become one of the Riverislanders' key players as they look to battle relegation from the Bundesliga. Werder have had problems all over the pitch, but between the sticks is not one of them, as the Czech stopper's heroics have earned them valuable points. Despite sitting 16th, they have conceded the third fewest goals in the German top-flight.AdvertisementGetty ImagesPhilipp Max (Augsburg)Both Manchester clubs, Everton, Chelsea, Liverpool, in fact, most of the top-half of the Premier League have been linked with left-back Philipp Max. The 24-year-old has provided more assists than any other player in the Bundesliga this season, and has been one of the key reasons why Augsburg have exceeded all expectations in 2017-18.getty ImagesNaldo (Schalke)Naldo has been in the Bundesliga for 13 seasons, but might very well be having his best campaign ever at the age of 35. The Brazilian centre-back has been a rock in defence for Schalke, with his powerful performances at both ends of the pitch putting Domenico Tedesco's side in the top two at the winter break. Strangely enough, Tedesco is actually three years and two days younger than Naldo!GettySalif Sane (Hannover)Senegal international defender Lamine Sane moved to the Bundesliga to join Werder Bremen from Bordeaux, but has so far been outshone by his younger brother Salif Sane. The 27-year-old centre-back has been immense in the air, and leads the league by winning 82 per cent of his aerial duels.