Stefan Kuntz backs Salih Özcan to make an impact at Borussia Dortmund
By Tushar Bahl
Salih Özcan’s national team coach Stefan Kuntz believes that the defensive midfielder has what it takes to succeed at Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund completed the signing of Salih Özcan last weekend, with the defensive midfielder joining from FC Köln for a cut-price fee of around 6 million euros. Having spent the last 15 years with FC Köln, Özcan will take the next step in his career with the Black and Yellows. And the 24 year old’s national team coach Stefan Kuntz is backing him to make an impact.
In an interview with BILD, the Turkey head coach said that Özcan has earned his move to Borussia Dortmund:
"“Salih has earned his move to Dortmund. He showed what he’s made of in Köln. I’m excited to see how he develops now. He is no longer a very young player, but is at the right age to take this step. The change makes perfect sense to me. I can only congratulate BVB on signing this player.”"
Salih Özcan was part of the Germany U-21s squad that won the UEFA European U-21 Championship under Stefan Kuntz last year. The midfielder ultimately decided to represent Turkey at the senior level. And he was given his first senior call-up to the national team by Kuntz, who took over as Turkey head coach last year.
Özcan has been called up by Kuntz for next month’s UEFA Nations League matches. And the 59 year old is confident that Özcan will have an important role to play for Turkey as they look to qualify for the 2024 European Championship, which will be held in Germany.
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Özcan is coming off an impressive season with FC Köln. And he will be crucial to Borussia Dortmund’s hopes next season. He will be tasked with replacing the influential Axel Witsel and doing all the dirty work in the BVB midfield as they look to win the Bundesliga title next season.