Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sturm Graz: Three Takeaways from gritty win at the Westfalenstadion

There seems to be a lack of confidence in the youth of Borussia Dortmund

With all the recent injuries, numerous players from Dortmund’s youth squads have been called up to the senior level to act as reinforcements, replacing the missing senior players. Yet Sahin’s decision against resting players speaks to his level of confidence in the young guys riding the bench. Wouldn’t it make sense to take a risk on one or two of them in order to give rest to a senior player? Because right now, it seems every senior player is at risk for injury or staving off a knock. We’re one bad tackle away from losing another important squad member.

Cole Campbell was subbed into this match in the 77th minute, and he did very little to influence the match, but I still defend the idea of giving him a start. BVB were lucky that Malen could score, but looking to the bench, there is no difference maker. I’d love to see what Julian Brandt could do if he was rested and came on for the final half-hour.

Ayman Azhil made a cameo appearance and managed to touch the ball once, while he did earn about 20 minutes at the weekend. Yet the rest of these guys sit on the bench and aren’t given a proper chance. Emre Can and Pascal Groß are both playing out of position while Filippo Mane and Almugera Kabar sit on the bench.

It’s clear Sahin would rather play his tired first team players than take a chance on giving a start to one of the youth players. This is less a critique, and more an observation. Kabar was sent off against Augsburg after being used as a sub after all.