A midfield masterclass: Julian Brandt and Mahmoud Dahoud showed their quality in win over Schalke
By Adam Bakr
Julian Brandt
Finally getting a start in his favoured midfield role again, Brandt took full advantage of the selection. He was seen all over the field connecting the play and linking up with his teammates. His movement and one touch play was crucial for Dortmund to play against Schalke’s deep line, and both came into play for the opener.
He combined well with Raphaël Guerreiro after a short corner. His run in behind after checking in cleared up space for Guerreiro to run into the box, and his flick found him in stride. He did not get the assist as Guerreiro’s effort was saved, but Manuel Akanji was there to put the rebound in to give Dortmund the crucial 1-0 lead.
He finished the game with four key passes, which lead the team, and three completed dribbles. Despite often working in tight spaces, the playmaker still completed 94% of his passes on the night and set his teammates up on a number of occasions.
Brandt’s free roaming makes life easier for everyone. When he drifts left, he let Giovanni Reyna go inside but keeps an option for Guerreiro to link with. Going out right, he let Jadon Sancho roam and take the attacking burden off of Thomas Meunier, which has been needed. His runs into the box always seemed to create give and go opportunities for Reyna, Sancho and Erling Haaland.
His performance today continued his great form against Schalke. In this fixture last season, he finished with two assists and a pre-assist as Dortmund won 4-0. And his performance against Schalke on Saturday was a great reminder of the class and quality that he possesses.