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A closer look at new Borussia Dortmund signing Marin Pongračić

By Brian Szlenk Straub

STUTTGART, GERMANY - APRIL 21: Marin Pongracic of VfL Wolfsburg runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg at Mercedes-Benz Arena on April 21, 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY - APRIL 21: Marin Pongracic of VfL Wolfsburg runs with the ball during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg at Mercedes-Benz Arena on April 21, 2021 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images) /
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WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – DECEMBER 20: Tanguy Coulibaly of VfB Stuttgart battles for possession with Marin Pongracic of VfL Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and VfB Stuttgart at Volkswagen Arena on December 20, 2020 in Wolfsburg, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images)
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY – DECEMBER 20: Tanguy Coulibaly of VfB Stuttgart battles for possession with Marin Pongracic of VfL Wolfsburg during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and VfB Stuttgart at Volkswagen Arena on December 20, 2020 in Wolfsburg, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Getty Images) /

Playstyle and skillset

While injuries throughout his career have often hampered his ability to cement himself in the first team, Pongračić will be looking to make a fresh start under Marco Rose at Borussia Dortmund. And considering his skillset and playstyle he has every chance to make an impact. The defender has shown his quality, albeit in stints, which can be broken down based on the skillset he has displayed over the course of the games he has featured in.

The first thing that sticks out about Pongračić’s game was likely the main catalyst for his move to Dortmund in the first place, and that is his versatility to be able to play both as a centre back and as a right back when needed. Both positions, as we’ve mentioned, needed some strengthening and one can expect that even when Dortmund’s top performers come back, they will need a rest at times as well. We could see last season that both Akanji and Hummels bore the brunt of defensive duties with not much respite in sight for the majority of the campaign. Pongračić’s ability to fill both roles will be a valuable asset to providing that respite at times, while also providing Marco Rose with a level of tactical flexibility when it comes to deciding whether he will play with a back three or back four.

Marco Rose has backed his former charge and indicated that Dortmund will help him try to achieve his potential, but Pongračić has to put in the work as well:

"“He had Corona, injuries. Wolfsburg then played a strong second half of the season with a centre-back duo, there were very few changes. We were looking for someone in this position. I know what he can do. And he has to try to show that now at Borussia Dortmund. We’ll help him do that, but I’ll also demand it.”"

In addition to his tactical flexibility, Pongračić is also a rather physical player, which may add some of the steel lost in the advent of the departure of Łukasz Piszczek. Pongračić has shown the ability to hold of opposition attackers in dangerous scenarios in and around the box in a calm manner. From the heart of defence, Pongračić has also displayed the ability to play in long balls in the same way both Akanji and Hummels do.

Having a wider passing range is always an asset for a team that likes to break on the counter as it allows for players like Malen and Haaland to use their pace when breaking getting in behind the defence to their fullest extent. Pongračić has also shown he can be an asset in the air, scoring twice from aerial situations while with Wolfsburg.

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All in all, I think Borussia Dortmund can be happy with the signing of Pongračić considering the circumstances. He is not a glamour signing, but a signing out of necessity that could fit the bill. Only time will tell whether this signing will be enough to help Dortmund in terms of defensive cover, but it is a step in the right direction should Pongračić’s performances help to alleviate their weaknesses. Marco Rose has put faith in the signing, and so I certainly have confidence in Pongračić’s ability to play an important role this season.

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