“Belgian Beckham” Thomas Meunier finally finding his form at Borussia Dortmund
By Tushar Bahl
After a forgettable debut season at Borussia Dortmund, Thomas Meunier finally seems to be turning the tide. Marco Rose and Sebastian Kehl have both heaped praise on him for his recent performances.
Thomas Meunier appears to be in the form of his life at the moment. He has established himself as an important player for Borussia Dortmund this season and has delivered assists in each of the last three games.
Meunier’s latest assist, a pin-point cross into the box that was headed home by Erling Haaland against Union Berlin, saw Jude Bellingham call him the “Belgian Beckham.” And Bellingham wasn’t the only one to praise him.
Meunier’s assist in the 4-2 win over Union Berlin prompted Marco Rose to make a chef’s kiss gesture towards the right-back. The Borussia Dortmund head coach also lauded Meunier during his post-match press conference.
"“It was a little kiss. It wasn’t directed at Erling but at Thomas Meunier for his cross. It was the third time that he’s delivered an inch-perfect cross like that. We’re having a lot of fun with Thomas at the moment because he’s really rolling now and finding his form.”"
It is also easy to see the impact Marco Rose’s arrival has had on Meunier’s recent form. The diamond formation introduced by Rose forces opposition teams to focus on the players in the middle of the park. That in turn leaves space for Meunier to make forward runs down the right wing, get on the end of diagonal balls, and deliver crosses into the box.
Sebastian Kehl also praised Meunier for his recent performances. In an interview with WAZ, Kehl said:
"“He has improved significantly. Thomas has drawn a line under last season. He has started this season in a completely different manner – and although he was set back by COVID and a muscle injury and he is not yet at his absolute fitness level, I like his game a lot better now.”"
After the struggles of last season, it is great to see Thomas Meunier playing with confidence and making an impact on the pitch for Borussia Dortmund. And hopefully he will be able to keep this form going in the coming weeks.