Nuri Sahin pleased with Julian Brandt's impact amid fan criticism

Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin is very happy with the contributions of Julian Brandt, and is backing him to continue to be an important player for the team.

Julian Brandt did not have the best of outings this past weekend as Borussia Dortmund were handed a 5-1 defeat by VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. The playmaker, who was appointed BVB vice-captain before the start of the season, has attracted critcism from some supporters for his recent performances.

Nuri Sahin: Julian Brandt an important player for Borussia Dortmund

But for Nuri Sahin, Brandt remains a constant fixture in the Borussia Dortmund starting XI. During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, the BVB head coach backed Brandt.

"It wouldn't be right to single him out. We deliberately gave him the role of vice-captain. I'm very happy with him. He knows that he didn't put in his usual performance on Sunday. But he's a very important player and a fixture in our team," Sahin said.

Brandt has yet to open his goalscoring account in the Bundesliga this season, with his only goal so far coming in the DFB-Pokal tie against Regionalliga side Phönix Lübeck.

The 28 year old also has one assist to his name. He will hope to find his form in the coming weeks and lead the way for BVB, much like he did last season when he recorded and impressive ten goals and 16 assists.

Julian Brandt will have the opportunity to lead from the front once again this Friday as Borussia Dortmund face VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga.