Borussia Dortmund 3-2 TSG Hoffenheim: Key talking points

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DORTMUND, GERMANY – AUGUST 14: Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after their side’s fifth goal scored by teammate Erling Haaland during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt at Signal Iduna Park on August 14, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Joosep Martinson/Getty Images,) /

Gregor Kobel continues to excel in Dortmund despite not being able to collect a clean sheet

Gregor Kobel has quickly been garnering so much deserved praise for his showings as in goal for Borussia Dortmund. And while he was once again denied a clean sheet, his performance was instrumental to making sure his team held on to retain all three points in this match.

Kobel was called into action on numerous occasions to nullify dangerous chances that Hoffenheim tried to conjure up. The game could’ve easily swung like a pendulum in favor of the visitors if it wasn’t for the Swiss keeper’s heroics. In the 38th minute, Kobel had to use his big frame to his team’s advantage to deny a clear opportunity as Christoph Baumgartner was played into the box one on one with the keeper. Using his feet, he repelled the danger to his goal with confidence.

Kobel also showed he is quite good at reading set pieces, something Dortmund have struggled with in the past quite a bit. In the 73rd minute, Andrej Kramarić stepped up and looped in a free kick that Kobel acrobatically tipped over the bar, further stamping his mark on the game.

The Swiss international also continued his trend of playing in a sweeper like fashion. Kobel came out of his penalty area on a couple of occasions to smother dangerous chances, which continues to be a joy to watch as the games go by. He looks far more assured with the ball at his feet than any of the keepers we have fielded in the last several years, which is refreshing to say.