How can Borussia Dortmund overhaul their porous defence

The curious case of Marcel Sabitzer

Since the start of this season, it can be seen that Sahin is using Marcel Sabitzer in an unfamiliar role of a right sided attacking player. Though its not a big issue as Sahin is making various tactical adjustments to stamp his authority on the team, but it is coming at a cost. Sabitzer was one of the major players who improved in the second half of last season in his hybrid midfield role. His off-ball work and his runs into the attacking channels while carrying the ball proved to be crucial for Dortmund in securing UCL for this season.

According to data by fbref, he made 5.09 progressive passes per game last season. He ranked ahead of 89% and 95% of Bundesliga players respectively in terms of attempted shots and shots on target. Also, he had 2.57 touches per game in the opposition's penalty area. Off-ball, he made 4.08 recoveries per game.

All of the above stats clearly indicate that Sabitzer is most effective in the middle of the pitch. But Sahin as deployed him on the right side of the attack this season majorly and once in the number ten role. It is understandable that the midfield is being built around Pascal Groß, but it is lacking the energy and dynamism currently which Sabitzer brings.

His ability to influence game is affected by playing in unusual positions as articulated here. With Emre Can still inconsistent as evident from the way he lost the ball and misplaced passes against Club Brugge and Stuttgart, Sabitzer is better partner for Groß as he can play a role similar to how Rodri plays at Manchester City while Groß can play as a deep-lying playmaker who influences the game during attack and as well as win the ball from deep inside their own half and progress it towards the opposition goal. This would help in solidifying the BVB midfield and prevent opponents from running through it, which has been a theme so far this season.