Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Werder Bremen: Three talking points from comprehensive win

The right-back conundrum at Borussia Dortmund

For several games now, Edin Terzic has shied away from using Thomas Meunier at right-back. Mistakes in crucial games have seen Mateu Morey rise above the Belgian in the pecking order, but now it would seem that Dortmund veteran Łukasz Piszczek has gotten ahead above Meunier as well. The former PSG player was brought in to phase out “Piszczu”, who has shown that despite his bit part role this season on the pitch, he is a more steady choice in defence than the summer signing.

Piszczek came on to replace Morey at half time and put in a very solid display against Bremen. His game was a bit more defensive than what we’ve seen from Meunier this season, but that is exactly what Dortmund seem to be needing right now – defensive stability. Allowing cheap goals has become an uncomfortable trend for Dortmund (especially from the right side). And with Piszczek’s help, Dortmund were able to neutralise the majority of the threat Bremen may have caused.

One of the main criticisms fan seem to have of Meunier, which I find interesting in the context of this game, is his inability to put in a cross or pass that is on the same wavelength of his teammates.

For the Belgian national team, his ability to do so has been noted, and it seems rather odd that he can’t reproduce this form with Dortmund. That being said, while his contribution was far less attacking, Piszczek was able to roll back the clock and put in an accurate ball for U-23 striker Stefan Tigges late on in the game. His performance certainly had me longing for the days when he was at the height of his powers.

Final Thoughts

Overall, when it comes to Dortmund this season, any win is a good win, and this one was by far one of the more important ones this season based on the team’s current standing and results around the league. Dortmund are now within touch distance of one of the coveted Champions League spots for next season.

Up next, Borussia Dortmund face Union Berlin who currently sit in eighth place, six points behind Die Schwarzgelben. The stakes surrounding this game are far greater for Dortmund, who must win to keep pace with Frankfurt and Wolfsburg, but also to keep the pursuing pack at bay.

Bayer Leverkusen sit just two points behind them, and will be keen to make ground on any slip up Dortmund may offer them. Union Berlin have been a tricky opponent for Dortmund as well, so I am sure it will be a match worth following closely.