Borussia Dortmund Loan Watch: Soumaïla Coulibaly

Could Soumaïla Coulibaly return to Borussia Dortmund next summer?

Defensively, Soumaïla Coulibaly does not tackle much but makes many interceptions which shows good reading of the game and positioning.

Watching Coulibaly against Shakhtar Donetsk, you could see glimpses of his potential. For 45 minutes he put in a calm and assured display. But in the second half, Antwerp collapsed and Coulibaly was a big part of that.

In no way was he the main culprit, but he failed to track a runner before a goalkeeping error led to a goal, and he was then dribbled past for the next goal.

The good news of this is both positioning and the physicality needed to win duels improves significantly with match experience and age.

These mistakes make for a player who is clearly not ready to return to the Borussia Dortmund first-team who – despite poor performances in the league – tend to rise to the occasion in the UEFA Champions League. The Black and Yellows have conceded less goals in four games than Antwerp did on the second matchday.

Borussia Dortmund will need to hope Soumaïla Coulibaly starts to show improvement as the season continues. While this is likely, BVB will probably look to sell him again next summer if Antwerp decide not take up the buy option.

It would not be a shock for Antwerp to purchase Coulibaly for a reduced fee if a wealthier side doesn’t come in with a better offer. Regardless and despite his potential, Coulibaly has unfortunately not demonstrated enough talent to contribute to BVB’s first-team at this time.