Sebastian Kehl hails Borussia Dortmund star for returning to top shape ahead of pre-season

Sebastian Kehl was full of praise of Niklas Süle after the centre-back returned to training in fantastic shape ahead of pre-season.

Niklas Süle was subject to plenty of criticism last season as he struggled with fitness issues and lost his spot in the Borussia Dortmund starting XI. A lack of playing time also saw the centre-back get left out of the Germany squad for the European Championship.

But Süle seems to be determined to return to his best in the coming campaign, and returned to pre-season training with Borussia Dortmund after working intensively during the summer break. According to multiple reports in Germany, the 28 year old followed a strict plan and lost around 8-10 kg of weight.

Sebastian Kehl: A Niklas Süle in top form can help any team

All his hard work seems to have paid off, and Sebastian Kehl believes that Süle is determined to make himself an important part of the team this season.

"We spoke with him. Niklas has shown that he understood what we want and that he is ready to take on the challenge. He worked hard during his vacation, that was also the expectation we had of him. It's a clear signal from Niklas that he wants to improve, that he wants to play regularly. That's a good statement. A Niklas Süle in top form can help any top team," the BVB sporting director told WAZ.

After a disappointing campaign, Niklas Süle will be eager to make his mark and return to the form that saw him establish himself as one of the top defenders in Europe. With Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck still on their post-Euros break, Süle will have the opportunity to make a strong impression on Nuri Sahin and start the season as first-choice.