What we learned from Borussia Dortmund’s 3-1 win over Hoffenheim
By Eli Brand
The right side of the back-line still has question marks
With Julian Ryerson starting at right-back and Mats Hummels as the right centre-back, Hoffenheim found plenty of space to attack. This was most obviously seen as Hummels conceded a penalty. This was not the only instance either, with several attacks starting in that channel as the Hoffenheim press worked well early into the match.
Specifically, they won the ball back off several passes from Ryerson and exploited the space between him and Hummels. Borussia Dortmund have shifted to a back three in possession at times with a four-man defence without the ball in recent games. This could be a growing pain of adjusting to that system or an off-night for Hummels.
The veteran centre-back has had many sliding, last ditch tackles this season and has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. While an excellent defender still, Hummels’ age was showing against Hoffenheim as he was a step slower to get to the ball leading to him committing more risky challenges.
This high risk style may well lead to chances, cards and penalties. Edin Terzic needs to find a balance of pushing his right-back forward and either ask Niklas Süle to come in and match some of Hummels’ aggression, or to find a way for Hummels to be responsible for less space.