Three Keys to a Borussia Dortmund win vs Bayer Leverkusen

Be Ruthless in Transition

Borussia Dortmund have not displayed much trouble in creating the necessary amount of scoring chances to see out a match. However, the quality of the finishing remains an unresolved issue. In particular, both Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen must show improvement in their sequence-ending efficiency. The former has shown flashes of his undisputed talent but is yet to experience a breakout performance where there is a clear end product to his game. This will be needed in a match that typically features quick transitions and counter-attacks with both clubs possessing the speed to do serious damage upon gaining possession in midfield.

In addition to the simple finishing efficiency, there needs to be an improvement in both the quality of passing and the level of unselfishness in the final third. Far too often, it appears that neither Moukoko, Malen, nor Adeyemi have the desire to make one more crucial pass to set up an open teammate. While a common characteristic amongst young strikers, it could prove to be a vital game changer one way or another in a game where chances must be taken.

It’s likely that changes will be made to the starting lineup following the midweek game vs Mainz. Gio Reyna has made an obvious case for his inclusion in the starting XI after consecutive super-sub performances. Marco Reus should be back in the squad, and Jude Bellingham will also return after serving his yellow card suspension. But whoever is on the teamsheet must be aggressive and capitalize on mistakes. The Black and Yellows enter the weekend ranking second in turnovers created in the opposition’s half, but a porous 13th in shots resulting from them.