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Takewaways from Borussia Dortmund’s frustrating 2-2 draw vs Freiburg

By Antonio Salgado

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JANUARY 27: Alexander Isak of Dortmund, Andre Schuerrle of Dortmund, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund and Lukasz Piszczek of Dortmund looks dejected after the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Sport-Club Freiburg at Signal Iduna Park on January 27, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - JANUARY 27: Alexander Isak of Dortmund, Andre Schuerrle of Dortmund, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund and Lukasz Piszczek of Dortmund looks dejected after the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Sport-Club Freiburg at Signal Iduna Park on January 27, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund gave another listless performance against Freiburg. The result of the match was more than Dortmund deserved given their lackluster play.

Der BVB failed to create any chances and their two goals only came thanks to two superb strikes. Let us take a look at the takeaways from Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against a very organized Freiburg side.

1. Dortmund’s midfield struggles continue

Borussia Dortmund’s midfield gave a listless performance against Freiburg. The issue with the midfield is the lack of a difference maker in the middle of the park. Gonzalo Castro played like Gonzalo Castro, but the problem is Gonzalo Castro is not a high level player. He can put in a decent shift, however those are his limits he is a player who fills in without providing a spark. While Sahin had a nightmare and almost all his passes went to Roman Burki.

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He could have easily prevented Dortmund from conceding the first goal. While his poor giveaway in a tight area helped Freiburg score the second. Dortmund need a dynamic box to box midfielder, but the issue is that player is not in the squad. Mahmoud Dahoud is the closest to a box to box midfielder, but he never plays. Dortmund may need to dip into the transfer market to find a player who can fill the box to box role.

2. Aubameyang?!?!

Peter Stoger made the decision to put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in the starting lineup, but the decision was nothing short of puzzling. Aubameyang is in a messy transfer saga between Dortmund and Arsenal, but Stoger decided to play him anyway. His performance and lack of involvement in the game were in part due to the midfield’s lifeless performance. The question is why give time to a player who does not want to be at the club?

Borussia Dortmund fans showed a banner against Aubameyang at the start of the game and the forward cut a frustrated figure throughout the match. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund fans showed a banner against Aubameyang at the start of the game and the forward cut a frustrated figure throughout the match. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images) /

In such a tough time for Dortmund Stoger needs all hands on deck, but he decided to play the man who is publicly no longer interested in Dortmund. The board must take action and sell Aubameyang, but must also find a suitable replacement for such a talented player.

3. Mistakes cost Dortmund

Freiburg’s two goals came on plays where Borussia Dortmund’s defense feel asleep. The first goal was a great finish by Nils Petersen, but as an attacker should not easily win position near post. Dortmund’s defense was caught ball watching, and hoping the ball went out of play past the end line.

Nuri Sahin made a terrible backpass for the second goal and Roman Burki was out of position. Nils Petersen’s lobbed finish was great, but Dortmund’s errors gave him the chance to score. Two mistakes lead to both goals, and given their performance Dortmund were lucky to earn a draw.

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