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Salih Özcan wants to add physicality and fight to Borussia Dortmund’s roster

By Brian Szlenk Straub

KOELN, GERMANY - 2021/12/10: Salih Özcan (R) of Koeln seen in action during the Bundesliga soccer match between Augsburg Vs FC Koeln at the RheinEnergie Stadium in Koeln( Final score; Augsburg 2:0 FC Koeln). (Photo by Osama Faisal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
KOELN, GERMANY - 2021/12/10: Salih Özcan (R) of Koeln seen in action during the Bundesliga soccer match between Augsburg Vs FC Koeln at the RheinEnergie Stadium in Koeln( Final score; Augsburg 2:0 FC Koeln). (Photo by Osama Faisal/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Borussia Dortmund’s new signing Salih Özcan is determined to bring an added level of physicality to midfield following his move from FC Köln.

Borussia Dortmund continue to be active in the transfer market after the conclusion of the Bundesliga season with the club announcing their fourth signing so far: Salih Özcan. The Turkish international is a product of FC Köln, where he started his football journey in 2007.

Özcan showed no hesitation in joining Die Schwarzgelben, with the player noting that Dortmund was his first choice in terms of a move away from his beloved Köln:

"“When I first heard BVB were interested, that was also a wish from my side, my number one favorite, to play here,” Salih Özcan said. “Just like FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund is a traditional club, a huge club and always has ambitions of playing in the Champions League.”"

Özcan was quick to note the traditional nature of the club along with its ambitions to not only play Champions League football but to progress as far as possible into the competition as reasons for wanting to come to Dortmund. He also expressed his delight at the prospect of playing for the “gelbe wand” as opposed to having them as an opponent, which certainly had an impact on the player every time he would visit the Westfalenstadion with FC Köln.

As for what he will bring to Borussia Dortmund, Özcan is a defensive midfielder by trade. He will be responsible for adding much needed steel in front of the revamped defense. Over his last year with Köln, Özcan was responsible for 2.84 interceptions per 90, which will do wonders for Dortmund’s ball recovery next season with him screening the defense. Further, Özcan also excels in aerial duels won with 2.61 per 90 minutes played.

Özcan’s overall defensive game will make Dortmund’s midfield a far less pleasant prospect for the opposition. In his own words, Özcan indicates that he is “a fighter who sometimes goes where it hurts”:

"“I always try to give everything for the club, for success and I think that’s what characterises me, that I sometimes hurt opponents and show them where the limits are.”"

In bringing this fighting spirit to Dortmund, one can hope that Özcan’s presence in midfield will be just what they need to further solidify the defensive aspect of their game. Özcan is certainly ready to start working with his new club, and will give his all for Dortmund to succeed:

"“I’m just looking forward to the time now and trying to be fit as quickly as possible and show the fans what I can do.”"

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Özcan is aware that he has joined a club with significantly higher expectations than what he was used to in Köln and seems ready to compete on all fronts with Die Schwarzgelben. He may not be a “star signing” with a big name, but should he live up to his potential, Özcan may play an immense role in Dortmund’s future successes in the coming seasons as he embodies a spirit and hunger that, at least over the past season, hasn’t been as prevalent as fans would have liked. It is a facet of Dortmund’s game that has become expected from a club that is known for its passion and verve both on and off the pitch.

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