Peter Stöger backs Anthony Modeste to score at least 20 goals at Borussia Dortmund

Former Borussia Dortmund and FC Köln head coach Peter Stöger is backing Anthony Modeste to score at least 20 goals at his new club this season.

Borussia Dortmund completed the signing of Anthony Modeste from FC Köln on Monday evening, with the striker putting pen to paper on a one year contract. The BVB bosses view Modeste as the ideal short-term replacement for Sebastien Haller, who is facing several months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a malignant testicular tumour.

Peter Stöger has now commented on Modeste’s move to Borussia Dortmund. And the former Borussia Dortmund and FC Köln head coach is confident that the striker can make a telling impact in front of goal this season if he manages to stay fit.

"In an interview with the Kronen Zeitung, the 56 year old said:“When I worked with him, he performed really well. He was a very significant factor there back then. If you saw how he played in Köln last season, what an integral part of the team he was. And now he’s coming to Dortmund, where there will probably be a lot more dangerous penalty area situations waiting for him – and he’s still really, really good in the penalty area!”“That’s why I think: If he’s fit, if he’s in good shape, then he can score at least 20 goals every year – and especially in Dortmund. I’m convinced of that, I have confidence in him!”"

Modeste joins Borussia Dortmund on the back of an impressive season with FC Köln. The 34 year old scored 20 goals in just 32 Bundesliga appearances and managed to lead the Billy Goats to a seventh place finish in the Bundesliga standings.

Anthony Modeste also finished fourth in the Golden Boot race, with only Robert Lewandowski, Patrik Schick, and Erling Haaland scoring more goals than him in the Bundesliga last season.

FC Köln qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League as a result of their seventh place finish in the Bundesliga last season. But the French striker said that the opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League with Borussia Dortmund was too good for him to turn down.

"“The offer from BVB has given me a unique opportunity at my age to play in the Champions League and prove myself at the highest level,” Modeste said. “I’m delighted to have this opportunity and promise to give everything for the success of the team and the entire club.”"

Modeste could make his first appearance for Borussia Dortmund on Friday as they take on SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga.