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Key takeaways from Borussia Dortmund’s first half of the season

By Brian Szlenk Straub

Borussia Dortmund players look dejected after their game against Sporting (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund players look dejected after their game against Sporting (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 15: Thorgan Hazard of Borussia Dortmund in action during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY – DECEMBER 15: Thorgan Hazard of Borussia Dortmund in action during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and SpVgg Greuther Fürth at Signal Iduna Park on December 15, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /

Dortmund’s performances are hindered by a lack of wingers

One of the more evident talking points from the first half of the season is the fact that Borussia Dortmund’s play has been lacking a certain width to it. Dortmund have only really had one natural winger at their disposal, namely Thorgan Hazard.

Hazard has unfortunately been injured and struggling for rhythm quite a lot this season, meaning that despite having him on the roster, Dortmund have played much of the first half of the season without any natural wingers to count on.

The lack of natural wingers has in turn made Dortmund’s play more predictable, and to a degree less creative. Dortmund have found themselves in situations this season where they have had trouble breaking down teams going through the middle. The added element of threat previously created by the likes of Jadon Sancho has very much gone missing for Dortmund and has proven rather costly.

Be it over the course of the winter transfer window or in the summer, Dortmund certainly need to look into this position as one to improve on as well. Adding a proper wide player to their ranks will provide further threat up front for the opposition to think about, and further creative outlets for the team to exploit.

Final Thoughts

Borussia Dortmund have had a season where many of the factors they would need to compete for the Bundesliga title have been missing. Both injuries and a lack of proper personnel have hindered their progress in this respect, and quite a few of their issues this season are self imposed.

That being said, however, Marco Rose and co. have done what they can to get the best out of the squad at their disposal. With many players coming back from injury, and others key players like Donyell Malen finally finding their form, we can hopefully look forward to a stronger run once the winter break comes to an end.

While perhaps the financial situation due to the COVID-19 may play a role in the changes Dortmund are able to make short term, is is undeniable that for a sustainable run to take place the club need to invest to some degree.

Next. Borussia Dortmund 2021/22 hinrunde player ratings: Forwards. dark

The first half of the season has shown that the team, while they have performed in the face of adversity, still needs work if they are to mount a challenge in any of the competitions.