How is Nuri Sahin building his Borussia Dortmund team?

3. Set-pieces

The set-piece strategy is the last tactical point to pay attention to in this new Borussia Dortmund. Differently from what some might think, BVB fans know that set pieces were a pretty powerful weapon for the team last year. The Black and Yellows had the highest xG on set plays in the entire league (16.82), scoring 14 goals. It is a minor underperformance in xG but still a measure of one of BVB's best suits.

Despite the stats, it is an area that will likely have some changes this season. Following Terzic and the previous coaching staff's departure, the hiring of a new set-piece coach could affect the aerial game's end product once the players get used to a fresh scheme. But it could be for the better.

The addition of players like Groß, Anton and Guirassy could help the team in that department, as the first goal against Lübeck showed. While rewatching the construction of that play, it is possible to notice that Dortmund took advantage of the zone marking, getting three players to move from the second to the first post. This synchronized movement opened space on the far post for Anton to score completely unmarked.

It is exciting to see a well-rehearsed set-piece play, which was also evident in other friendly matches. At the same time, the defence of aerial threats also exposed signs of concern for Dortmund. A few unmarked chances for Lübeck to score in the air should be enough reason for the new coach to worry and keep working on defending set pieces.

With some good and bad pointers, it is essential to stay alert in that area, as an aerial duel might be the clutch play. Similar to what Dani Carvajal did in the Champions League final.