Where will Marcel Sabitzer fit in at Borussia Dortmund? A statistical analysis
By Eli Brand
Marcel Sabitzer as an attacking player
The most obvious similarities are between Marcel Sabitzer’s 19/20 campaign and Brandt’s campaign last season. Sabitzer played about two more progressive passes per 90 than Brandt, who received about 2 more progressive passes. This difference likely comes down to Sabitzer spending time at multiple positions during that season, meaning that he could likely recreate similar output to Brandt when playing in that role for BVB.
Sabitzer had slightly higher expected goals and considerably lower expected assists per 90 in 2019/20 but this could be down to him playing a deeper role at times. The 19/20 campaign of Brandt and Sabitzer are about the same in terms of progressive carries, pass accuracy and take on success rate, with Brandt having a slight edge in all but the latter.
What Sabitzer would add to that role however, is defensive work rate. Borussia Dortmund currently lack any elite pressing attackers with only Reyna and Reus at around 2.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 and a steep fall off to Bynoe-Gittens and Adeyemi at around 1.5 and Malen at .9. These numbers are worse in context with Reyna being a super sub and Reus more of a rotation option than a starter. Sabitzer’s 19/20 season was at just 2.2, which is still a considerable upgrade in that respect when compared to BVB’s starting players.