Donyell Malen: Borussia Dortmund have taken a big step forward since the turn of the year

Donyell Malen believes that Borussia Dortmund have taken a big step forward in their attacking play since the turn of the year, after they claimed a 3-0 win over SC Freiburg on Friday.

Borussia Dortmund maintained their strong start to 2024 on Friday evening, as they claimed a rather straightforward 3-0 win over SC Freiburg. A first-half brace from Donyell Malen helped the Black and Yellows gain control of the game, before Niclas Füllkrug headed home the third goal and secured the three points.

It was one of Borussia Dortmund's best performances of the season so far, and they were somewhat unlucky not to win by an even bigger margin. Malen, who scored a brace to take his tally for 2024 to four goals, spoke about BVB's newfound attacking vigour after the game.

"We played with the right intensity from the start and managed to score at the right moments. We were able to make good use of our counter-attacking situations," Malen told DAZN. "We followed the match plan well and knew where everyone was on the pitch. Everyone has their individual quality and we all try to help each other. You can tell that we've taken a big step forward since the winter break. We are more confident on the ball and can push forward more effectively."

Borussia Dortmund have scored 13 goals in five matches since the turn of the year, conceding just one in the process. While they slipped up against Heidenheim last week, Edin Terzic's side look to have taken a significant step forward since the winter break. A number of tough challenges await BVB in the coming weeks, including a trip to Donyell Malen's old club PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16.