Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Werder Bremen: Takeaways from narrow win as Felix Nmecha, Julian Brandt impress

Julian Brandt reaches 300 Bundesliga appearances in style

What a turnaround Julian Brandt has enjoyed over the last 18 months. The German international was celebrating his 300th Bundesliga appearance against Bremen, becoming the third youngest player to reach this feat.

Brandt celebrated the landmark occasion by scoring a delicious goal by lifting the ball past the Bremen goalkeeper. In an ideal world, he would have also ended up with at least one assist on the night as he created three big chances and six chances in total

Brandt also made five recoveries, won one foul, and completed 75% of his long balls, capping off an excellent all-round display.

Before the season started, there were real question marks as to how the team would line up in a way to maximise existing players as well as the new midfield recruits.

A crucial element of this so far has been Brandt’s versatility to play out wide which has accommodated the setup of having two number eights play in the midfield three for Borussia Dortmund. Moreover, not only the ability to play out wide but the excellent fashion Brandt has done this in is an indication of the dream player he is for any coach.