Dortmund Hammer Hannover: Key talking points from Borussia Dortmund’s 5-1 win over Hannover

DORTMUND, GERMANY - JANUARY 26: Players of Dortmund celebrate the 1-0 lead during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - JANUARY 26: Players of Dortmund celebrate the 1-0 lead during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Getty Images) /
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DORTMUND, GERMANY – JANUARY 26: (L-R) Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro of Borussia Dortmund celebrate goal during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund v Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019 in Dortmund Germany (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JANUARY 26: (L-R) Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, Raphael Guerreiro of Borussia Dortmund celebrate goal during the German Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund v Hannover 96 at the Signal Iduna Park on January 26, 2019 in Dortmund Germany (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images) /

Reus shows just how important he is in return:

If it wasn’t clear already Marco Reus is important, really important. The game against Hannover emphasized this in ways that I can only attempt to describe in full detail. Lets give it a go.

When I look back at the game against Leipzig last weekend, the first words that pop into my head are “safe”, and “careful”. The reason for that is because that’s exactly what Dortmund’s performance against Leipzig was. A team that is mainly known for its attacking prowess decided to sit back and control the tempo of the game, opposed to going out guns blazing and trying to outscore Leipzig. While it can be said Dortmunds careful nature in that game was largely in part to their makeshift defense, Reus’ absence also played a role in this. It is abundantly clear that Dortmund are a much more confident team when their captain is fit and leading the charge.

With Reus on the field, Dortmund created a plethora of chances. Reus was able to put the hosts up 2-0 with the aforementioned cheeky finish after Hakimi dispossessed Albornoz in the box. Reus also assisted Guerreiro’s goal to make it 4-0. Reus remained threatening throughout the game, and while he missed a few massive chances, those very chances likely  wouldn’t have come without him on the field. There’s an aura around the Dortmund captain that lifts the team to new heights whenever he takes the field. If Dortmund win the Bundesliga this season it will in large part be down to his contributions and leadership on the pitch.