Why Julian Weigl Is Poised To Have Yet Another Great Year
The upcoming season is going to be one of great interest, especially under Peter Bosz. A vital part of next year’s success will revolve around Julian Weigl. The 21-year-old has grown in leaps and bounds since joining Dortmund in 2015. Despite his young ages, Weigl has already established himself as a key component of the team. After signing a contract at the end of 2016, Weigl is set to remain at the club until 2021, most likely even longer.
Weigl’s Season
Before assessing the importance of Weigl in the upcoming season, it’s important to look at his performance in the previous season. Last year, Dortmund fans saw him play 30 games and a total of 2414 minutes in the Bundesliga (via Squawka.)
Speaking of influence, Squawka provides a performance score based on the player’s ability to influence a game positively. In the 16-17 season, Weigl had a total score of 731.74, a score that ranks highly against established midfielders in the Bundesliga. Playing where Weigl does, passing is a fundamental component of his game.
When compared to a maestro such as Xabi Alonso, Weigl fares quite impressively. With a total of 1966 passes, 1237 forward and 718 backward, Weigl had a pass completion percentage of 89%. He is quickly becoming a reliable figure for Dortmund. Adding to his impressive passing statistics, Weigl has established himself in other areas. 43 tackles won, 62 fouls suffered (if you can’t stop them, foul them), 81.25% successful take ons, 68 interceptions, and only two defensive errors. It’s clear that Weigl has an all-around game that makes him deadly on the pitch.
The New System
While other names such as Aubameyang and Dembélé make the headlines, players such as Weigl can’t be appreciated enough. His role in the team is one of great importance. The upcoming season may see it develop further under the new manager.
Despite recovering from injury and possibly missing the start of the season, Weigl is hopefully going to continue on an upwards trajectory. Under Bosz, Weigl will be at the center of it all. Playing the 4-3-3 formation, he will most likely sit at the bottom of the midfield three.
His ability on and off the ball allows for fluidity in the system to take place. Playing at the bottom of the midfield three, Weigl plays a major role in moving the ball forward and providing the spine in the team between defense and attack. Furthermore, Weigl also plays an important role on the defensive side of the ball. As the statistics show, the ability to tackle, take on, intercept, and keep errors limited, the 21-year-old proves that he is the right man for the job.
A somewhat smooth transition is on the horizon. Like many others, Bosz will fall in love with Weigl.
Optimism
It’s clear that Weigl, an impressive player. Despite being 21, he holds himself as he has been playing the beautiful game for much longer.
When initially hearing about the current Dortmund roster, Bosz must have been rubbing his hands with joy. The system he employed at Ajax will presumably be a good fit for Weigl and the rest of the team.
It may take some time for it to be fully implemented, but after watching Ajax last season, it will be worth the wait. We are going to see some players take the next step under Bosz, Weigl being one of them.
Unfortunately, we won’t get the pleasure of watching Weigl at the start of the season due to injury. But, when Weigl does come back, I’m sure we will see Dortmund in its new identity. At his current level, Weigl is impressive. But, under Bosz, there is a possibility that he can be even better.