Talking Points from Borussia Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach

Thorgan Hazard off injured, Passlack given chance to make an impact

A not so good piece of news for Dortmund was the fact that Thorgan Hazard came off injured quite early in the first half due to what seemed to be a pulled muscle in the thigh area. The winger turned wingback managed to put in a good showing while he was on the pitch, though, working well with Manuel Akanji to stop some of his former club’s early attempts to attack Dortmund’s goal. In the 6th minute especially Hazard and Akanji did well to close down Hannes Wolf and any danger he may have thought to pose with his run.

Hazard also did quite well to cut out passes and win back possession for the Black and Yellows. In addition to his attacking prowess and the fact that he was playing against his old club, it is surely a shame that he had to be taken of so early into the season. We can only hope that the injury itself isn’t serious and that he can return to fitness soon, so that Borussia Dortmund can field their strongest 11 in the coming weeks.

Hazard’s praises being sung, it would be remiss if we didn’t take a look at the performance of his deputy, chronic loanee Felx Passlack. Passlack has been a bit of a journeyman while in Dortmund colors. He was touted to become another star academy product for the team when he still played in the youth setup, but somehow never put in the performances to push his way into the first team.

Loan spells at Norwich, Hoffenheim and Fortuna Sittard all but signaled that his time at his boyhood club was running out. With Hazard’s injury today Passlack was given his chance, and he did his best to grab the opportunity by putting on an admirable performance. He tried his best to fill Hazard’s void and continued to make harrowing runs up the field, showing both energy and optimism, pulling off some good interceptions in the process.

His decision making in terms of passes left a lot to be desired, however, especially in the first half where he clearly missed the opportunity to thread the ball through to Haaland. But he did provide a good over the top ball to Haaland in that same half, which the striker ran onto and almost made a goal of. It was an encouraging performance that was always going to have some less refined moments, but considering he hasn’t played with many of the current squad, it’ll take time for him to re-settle in. It will be exciting to see if he can finally establish himself in the team and live up to the potential the performances of his youth promised.