Bayer Leverkusen 3-4 Borussia Dortmund: Key Talking Points

Marin Pongračić makes encouraging debut for Borussia Dortmund

Sticking with the defense on a more positive note, Croatian defender Marin Pongračić made his competitive debut for Dortmund. On loan from VFL Wolfsburg, Pongračić slotted into the middle of the defense alongside Manuel Akanji, which is not the position that I personally expected the player to fill in his first league game for Dortmund. Despite the overall sloppiness in defending, it may seem counterintuitive to say but Pongračić himself had a very solid showing.

Dortmund’s new defensive reinforcement started the game off with a level of assuredness that was refreshing to see. His Bundesliga experience and overall quality saw him make some very strong tackles to dissolve a good portion of what Leverkusen threw his way.

Pongračić also showed his passing acumen on a few occasions, launching the ball forward with a good level of accuracy. He would find his teammates in space whilst they were in the opponents half and deliver a pass that would eventually culminate in a dangerous chance for his side to try and capitalize on. This sure footed performance will hopefully put to bed some of the fears fans may have had about his quality, and it will also hopefully help him push on to become a far more integral part of the squad.