Salih Özcan looks to fit a combative role in Borussia Dortmund’s new look midfield

Borussia Dortmund defensive midfielder Salih Özcan is set to add steel to the club’s midfield alongside Jude Bellingham next season.

The arrival of Salih Özcan to Borussia Dortmund has been met with overall general approval by the media and fans alike. The 24 year old Turkish international joins the side as part of Sebastian Kehl’s summer overhaul of the squad, and is set to fill a critical role in defensive midfield.

While Özcan isn’t what one would consider a “flashy” signing by any means, he is the type of signing that the club desperately needed; A natural fighter who is combative on the pitch.

Since the sale of Thomas Delaney to Sevilla, Borussia Dortmund have only had Jude Bellingham and Emre Can to rely on in this department. Özcan adds yet another option in this department at a reasonable price.

He will be expected to help screen the new look BVB defense against imminent goal threats and ensure that they do not concede anywhere near the amount of goals they conceded last term (52 in the Bundesliga alone).

Özcan has only officially been with the team for a week so far, and the player was quick to reveal during a media round that he has “felt at home” from the start. The midfielder has also noted that he understands there is a high level of expectation, which he intends to deliver on.

"“My goal is clear: to play as much as I can. If I deliver what I’m capable of, I have a great chance of playing. The rest will come naturally. In terms of player type, everyone knows that I’m more of an enforcer, but I also like to distribute when we’re attacking.”“I’m not afraid of any duel, I’ll go in there regardless of whether I hurt myself or the opponent.”"

Özcan’s move to Borussia Dortmund is one that the player is extremely happy with, with the player stating that “negotiations went well” and that he didn’t have to deliberate on whether to take the opportunity when it came.

"“The sporting reasons were key: “There’s no question that BVB is a great club. The club has a great future, both in the Champions League and in the Bundesliga. That excites me. I’m looking forward to the future.”"

Salih Özcan is currently working his way back from a minor injury and will be aiming to get back to full fitness in the coming weeks.