Three Borussia Dortmund players to watch against Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund is set to face off against Bayer Leverkusen and will have their task cut out for them after losing star striker Michy Batshuayi to injury.

Borussia Dortmund had to go through a difficult time against Schalke as their best player Michy Batshuayi came down with injury. Not only did Dortmund lose theirbest player, they lost their spot on the table to their biggest rivals. Schalke climbed up the table after a derby win while Dortmund went down to fourth place.

In the fixture against Bayer, Dortmund are once again face-to-face with direct competition for the top-4 spot. Leverkusen and Dortmund are currently level on points but the former has the advantage of goal-difference.

But who’s going to take charge on the field for BVB? Which players are going to step up for Dortmund?

Roman Burki

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Goalkeeper Roman Buerki of Dortmund shouts during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund at Veltins-Arena on April 15, 2018 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

It is incredibly easy to forget about Roman Burki’s importance on the pitch. The Swiss keeper has been criticised on numerous occasions this season but he’s usually an afterthought. The focus is so blatantly on the coach and outfield players, that Burki can often be overlooked in the discussion.

If Dortmund is to come out on the better end of this fixture, Burki will have to be on the top of his game. He cannot afford mistakes or lose concentration for the entirety of the game.

Christian Pulisic

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Christian Pulisic of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund at Veltins-Arena on April 15, 2018 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

The American is currently struggling for form and that’s bad news for BVB. Pulisic was the lone bright spot for Dortmund at the start of the season which has cemented his role as a starter. However, in recent weeks, Dortmund has seen several players return to fitness which put his undisputed status under jeopardy.

The American winger has reclaimed his spot on the right side of attack but is yet to reach the heights from the first half of the season.

Pulisic is capable of single-handedly changing the game and he will have to do more if Dortmund is to take all three points.

Marco Reus

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – APRIL 15: Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund is challenged by Thilo Kehrer of FC Schalke 04 during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund at Veltins-Arena on April 15, 2018 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /

Everybody is currently exxpecting Marco Reus to take charge as the centre-forward. While Reus is capable of playing in that role, his best moments have come from a wide position or in the hole. Reus has never lead the team’s attack on a consistent basis but with injuries beginning to pile up, this transition on a permanent basis doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Reus is heavily reliant on his pace but his technique and composure could prove to be useful tools for Peter Stoger’s side.

A lot rests on Reus’ shoulders and he will have to step up in a massive way tomorrow.

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