Borussia Dortmund vs Hoffenheim: Key Takeaways

Niclas Füllkrug scores his first Bundesliga goal for Borussia Dortmund, Sebastien Haller’s struggles continue:

One of the bright spots in Dortmund’s starting 11 was German International Niclas Füllkrug. Füllkrug came into this Dortmund side as last season’s joint top scorer, but had yet to find the back of the net for his new club. This changed very early in the first half of their clash with Hoffenheim as defender John Brooks mishandled the ball into the path of Julian Brandt. Brandt was able to get Füllkrug on the ball and the German international sent a powerful shot past Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann to open the scoring.

Aside from scoring his first goal, Füllkrug has also looked quite good in terms of his overall movement. He is deceptively agile for a player of his physique and has done a good job of dropping back and helping in the build up for Dortmund’s attacking play. He has also been able to shake off defenders with his strength and a deft dip of the shoulder, which has opened up channels for him to run into or pass the ball to an open teammate.

Füllkrug has already proven to be Dortmund’s most efficient striker this season, cementing him as the likely starter for the foreseeable future. One can only hope that Edin Terzić will still give Youssoufa Moukoko some minutes in coming games as Sébastien Haller still looks to be struggling for form. Dortmund’s number 9 has looked off the pace since the season started, but has still managed far more minutes than the young German international; a baffling fact considering that the club made such an effort to keep him at the club this past winter.