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Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Passlack Is Poised To Have A Breakout Year

By Josh Brodbine

ALTACH, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 05: Felix Passlack of Dortmund handles the ball during the friendly match between AFC Sunderland v Borussia Dortmund at Cashpoint Arena on August 5, 2016 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Deniz Calagan/Getty Images)
ALTACH, AUSTRIA - AUGUST 05: Felix Passlack of Dortmund handles the ball during the friendly match between AFC Sunderland v Borussia Dortmund at Cashpoint Arena on August 5, 2016 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Deniz Calagan/Getty Images) /
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The Dortmund Right-Back Position

As Dortmund’s long time serving right back Łukasz Piszczek enters the twilight of his career; it is time to search for his heir.

Fans have either waited for the Pole to significantly descend in ability, or for a breakthrough performance from someone else to dethrone him of his spot.

So far, neither of these things has happened.

While many believe Piszczek will still be Peter Bosz’s first choice right back for the upcoming season, surely Dortmund will look to incorporate a new face as well. Felix Passlack may be this man and find himself gaining more meaningful minutes this year.

Piszczek, who is now 32 years old, will not be able to carry the same load as he once has. Passlack can use this season to break through as a permanent face in Borussia Dortmund’s first team.

ALTACH, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 05: Felix Passlack of Dortmund handles the ball during the friendly match between AFC Sunderland v Borussia Dortmund at Cashpoint Arena on August 5, 2016 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Deniz Calagan/Getty Images)
ALTACH, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 05: Felix Passlack of Dortmund handles the ball during the friendly match between AFC Sunderland v Borussia Dortmund at Cashpoint Arena on August 5, 2016 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Deniz Calagan/Getty Images) /

Who is Felix Passlack?

Felix Passlack is a 19-year-old German, Borussia Dortmund youth team graduate. The right-back has also made 31 appearances for the German National Team youth squads.

Passlack has an athletic frame and can operate anywhere on the right side of the field, which bodes well for Dortmund.

It seems however that the right back position will become his permanent home sooner rather than later though.

Passlack made a total of 10 Bundesliga appearances in 2016/2017 under Thomas Tuchel. Along with those appearances, the youngster made the squad a further 12 times. Passlack found himself in a tight spot last season as Tuchel often opted to play in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation, while regularly chose Erik Durm to play that right wing-back role.

Durm indeed has impressive stamina, which fits the wing-back position description. Peter Bosz often plays his team in a 4-3-3 formation, which will suit Felix Passlack better.

The young German is a strong, athletic player capable of keeping up with any winger. His speed and strength will allow him to hold down the right side of the defense. He can also recover quickly from opposing counter attacks, an area that Dortmund struggles to defend.

First Team Regulars Out Injured

Another thing to consider is the absence of Marcel Schmelzer and Raphaël Guerriero to begin the season. Both Schmelzer and the versatile Guerriero dominated the left back position last season. But, someone else will need to fill in for them until they get healthy.

Numerous options are available for Bosz as temporary replacements, including Erik Durm or Dan-Axel Zagadou, who has played here in the friendlies. Passlack could also operate here as a make shift left back for the time being. While this would not be ideal for him, it would still give him first team minutes to develop.

The 2017-2018 season could potentially be a pivotal season for the young Felix Passlack. A possible breakthrough season to a consistent first team member. Similarly to how Christian Pulisic used the 2016-2017 season to assert himself as a big time player for Dortmund. Whether Passlack can follow in his friend’s footsteps remains to be seen, but regardless, his future still shines brightly.

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