Borussia Dortmund loan watch: Leonardo Balerdi impressing for Marseille
By Tushar Bahl
Borussia Dortmund currently have five players out on loan deals, here we take a look at how they have been faring this season.
Borussia Dortmund sent five players out on loan in the summer transfer window, with Leonardo Balerdi, Marius Wolf, Immanuel Pherai, Sergio Gomez and Jeremy Toljan all leaving the club on a temporary basis. While Balerdi has enjoyed a strong start at Marseille, the other four haven’t been able to make a similar impact just yet.
Leonardo Balerdi – Olympique Marseille
Borussia Dortmund allowed Leonardo Balerdi to go out on loan in search of regular playing time this summer. The Argentina international joined French side Olympique Marseille, where he has made an impressive start to the season.
Balerdi has made five appearances for Marseille so far, with four of those coming in Ligue 1, and one in the UEFA Champions League. The 21 year old has helped his side keep two clean sheets, and even scored a headed winner in the game against FC Lorient last month.
Balerdi has earned praise for his performances from head coach André Villas-Boas, and its easy to see why. The centre-back averages 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3 clearances per game in the French Ligue 1, and has especially been rock solid in Marseille’s previous two games.
If he keeps performing well consistently, Balerdi can become an important player for Marseille this season. It remains to be seen what the future holds for him, but Marseille do have a purchase option to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell.