Key talking points from Borussia Dortmund’s victory over Schalke

Delaney and Witsel continue to dominate the midfield

When Thomas Delaney and Axel Witsel were purchased by Borussia Dortmund in the summer, there were many voices in the background that echoed a common trend of skepticism and concern. With regards to Delaney, it was the price-tag that was the main point of contention. Coming to Dortmund for a fee of 20 million euros, some fans found it hard to justify the cost for the player. It wasn’t a given that Delaney would come in and perform as well as he has, and sinking such a fee for a player would be a risk.

I, like most fans, am very happy that those who were skeptical of his transfer were wrong. With an average of 2.3 interceptions per game and a of 1.3 clearances per game, Delaney has been a warrior for us in midfield in the Bundesliga and beyond. His performance in the Revierderby has certainly solidified his place in the hearts of Borussia Dortmund fans as the game saw him get his first competitive goal in the 7th minute from a deftly curled Reus free kick. Delaney’s powerful header saw Borussia Dortmund go in front and the Veltins erupt in cheers from the traveling fans. This, incidentally, was the quickest derby goal to have been scored since 1999. Not a bad way to get your first for the club, I’d say. Delaney was also responsible for 4 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 clearances during the game.

Much of the same can be said for Axel Witsel regarding his transfer to the club this summer. While people were much less skeptical of the former Benfica and Zenit St. Petersburg man, his time in China still had fans chiming in saying that the switch back to European football might be a shock for him.  Witsel has thrived however, becoming a gem of a player for Dortmund. Witsel’s pass accuracy throughout the game was a whopping 95%, and one would be hard pressed to not bring attention to the fact that Witsel was once again crucial to Dortmund, doing a fantastic job breaking down attacks through his decisive interceptions. Some may argue that Schalke should have posed little threat regardless due to the fact that they were playing without a recognized striker for the majority of the game.

The 33rd minute saw Hamza Mendyl replace Guido Burgstaller after the Schalke front man suffered an injury, forcing him off the field. The fact that Mendyl’s natural position is left back was evident throughout the game as his runs were stifled and his touch was not that of a center forwards. Despite all of this Schalke pushed and fought, which meant both Delaney and Witsel had to work hard, and their performances were worthy of a Ruhr Derby victory.