Borussia Dortmund’s Unsung Hero, Lukasz Piszczek
Borussia Dortmund is currently engulfed in a storm of chaos. Something that happens often during transfer windows it seems. This chaos stems from the constant revolving door that players of Dortmund seem to walk through. Instead of worrying about which player is leaving the club next, perhaps fans should appreciate loyalty when they have it. The type of characteristic perfectly embodied by Dortmund’s longtime serving right back, Lukasz Piszczek. Piszczek embodies everything Borussia Dortmund as a club stands for. For 7 years, Piszczek has practically been an automatic starter for Die Schwarzgelben, and has often been classified in the past as a top fullback in the world. The former winger turned defender even accumulated his highest Dortmund goal tally last year, proving that even in the twilight of his career, Lukasz Piszczek is an elite player.
Defensive struggles
It is no question that Dortmund’s defense was in shambles, especially after Piszczek got hurt. Dortmund’s defense was constantly cut open like a hot knife through butter in the Hinrunde. Piszczek’s value can best be determined by examining Dortmund’s defense after Piszczek was injured. Lukasz was healthy for the first 7 Bundesliga matches, in which Dortmund won 6 of 7 while tying the other. Dortmund only gave up 2 goals in this 7 game span. In the 7 Bundesliga games following Piszczek’s injury, Dortmund won 0 games and lost 4 times. They gave up a whopping 18 goals over this 7 game stretch.
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To be fair, Dortmund did face RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich during this time, but still lost unnecessary games to Stuttgart and Hannover. They also blew a 4 goal halftime lead to Schalke at home. Peter Bosz was far from a defensive mastermind, but it’s clear his system failed miserably without the Polish defender.
His strengths
Piszczek uses his versatility to become an invaluable part of Dortmund’s squad. He spent a lot of time early in his career playing offense. Often as a left winger and even a center forward. This allowed Piszczek to fine tune the offensive side of his game. A vastly important component for a fullback in Dortmund’s system. His developed offensive understanding is best showcased by his perfectly timed overlapping runs and crosses. Whether it was Kuba, Mkhitaryan, Dembélé or Yarmolenko on the right wing, Piszczek always found ways to influence the game.
His pace and strength are also great components of his game. They allow him to keep up with pacey wingers as well as win headers in the box. These key components have allowed Piszczek to keep his place in the starting XI for so long, and are the exact reasons why he was so greatly missed when injured.
Some Dortmund fans have said that Piszczek has lost a step and it may be time to look for a new right back. However, his numbers clearly demonstrate that he is still a top quality player. Even in his first game back against Wolfsburg last week, Piszczek was a clear and calming influence over an often hectic back line. A calming influence for a Dortmund side who may really need it with some potential massive transfers on the horizon. Whatever happens come the end of January, at least Dortmund will know that Lukasz Piszczek will be our starting right back, and that is something fans should always remember to smile about.