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

Internal competition is brewing at Borussia Dortmund

Despite many frustrations over the club not recruiting enough bodies to account for participation in three competitions, the current squad has taken the challenge seriously.

For example, the defence has faced many barriers to excellence this season. There is not enough depth, nor are the injury records of certain individuals reliable. Mats Hummels taking the centre-back crisis personally after injuries to Nico Schlotterbeck, and then later Niklas Süle, was rewarded with playing time and he has been in a hot streak ever since.

Marco Reus is another example. The Borussia Dortmund icon cut a miserable figure on the bench in the first few games, but has since become a regular starter and scored crucial goals.

Likewise Salih Ozçan capitalised on Emre Can being dropped due to a string of poor displays. The form of the Turkish international at the number six role was excellent before Can was reintroduced into the side.

Niclas Füllkrug has also stepped in and contributed with his first goals for the Black and Yellows, with Sebastien Haller struggling for form.

The internal competition within the roster has intensified for the betterment of the team. Another incentive could be because of next summer, when Germany host the European Championship.

The appointment of Julian Nagelsmann has surely motivated players who previously thought they weren’t in with a shout for the Germany squad to be motivated further. Call-ups for Robert Andrich, Kevin Behrens and Chris Führich are a clear statement by Nagelsmann that he will have an open mind for his squad selection. For the likes of Hummels and Reus, this could be their last shot at a major tournament.