Could Borussia Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier find stability by playing for Germany under-21s?

Since joining Borussia Dortmund, Maximilian Beier has had a limited impact on the first team. Both the minutes he’s been afforded and the performances he’s put in during said allotted time on the pitch haven’t necessarily given Beier the springboard he needs to make an impact for his new club.

Beier has been called up for the German under-21s for the current international break, and at face value, this may be a bit disappointing for a player who has already tasted what it means to be a full-fledged senior international player for his country. Recent experiences for one of Beier’s teammates however highlight that this could be the exact opportunity a player in Beier’s situation really needs.

Karim Adeyemi was faced with a similar dilemma that started last season, and could have taken the thought of playing for the German Under-21s as a slight; a downgrade to his status as a German international and that perhaps the Germany coaching staff didn’t see him as good enough to play at the highest level for his country. Adeyemi of course took the challenge in stride and, especially this season, has shown that this opportunity for additional game time and good performances can not only build confidence but directly impact one’s performance level for the club they play for.

Beier is currently faced with a similar opportunity. Like Adeyemi, he is a player who has natural talent, and if given the opportunity to gain confidence and time on the pitch, he will perform. His performances for Hoffenheim’s last season underline this. This season, however, Beier has struck a figure that seems unsure of himself on the pitch, which is natural, especially in players as young as himself. Taking a step back to build that confidence could unlock a new level in his game.

The other critical portion of this return to the under-21s could not only be the time on the pitch, but also the chance to play in his preferred position. Beier is not a wide player despite his ability to play there, and the focus shouldn’t be on pushing Beier out wide. In the game against Union Berlin we saw Beier initially play a more wide role (granted out of necessity), but for Beier to really find his feet he needs to be playing in the position he was brought in to fill, which is far more central. Dortmund has developed a history of bringing in second-strikers and putting them out wide. The only player to really adapt to the role naturally, at least as of this season, is the aforementioned Adeyemi.

Germany u-21 head coach Antonio Di Salvo has welcomed the opportunity to have Beier with his side, echoing the sentiment that the u-21s are a great springboard for players to re-gain form that can carry over to their respective clubs:

"We at the u-21 can also help players get back on track…He [Beier] is a very good player who now simply needs to get into a rhythm."

- Antonio Di Salvo

Beier’s ability to be a flexible attacker will certainly benefit Dortmund and Germany alike in the coming years, but with the player needing to settle, the hope is that he can play in a more natural position and use these minutes during the international break as a launchpad into some consistency.