Should Borussia Dortmund stick with Emre Can in midfield?

Emre Can remains untouchable at Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund were criticised for their style of play this season, with the reactive and passive football on offer. This was in opposition to the high energy counter pressing game they had become accustomed to. While this cautionary tactic worked in BVB’s favor in the Champions League, it didn’t help the team assert themselves in the league. Borussia Dortmund fell behind the sensational Bayer Leverkusen and the brilliant Stuttgart in terms of quality of play.

As the number six role is the base from which the team is built, Can was critical in Borussia Dortmund's play this season. But his lack of effectiveness in the build-up play left BVB looking lethargic and unassertive in the Bundesliga quite often. With him on the pitch, it often looked like there was a lack of balance in the side. And fans were left frustrated with his failure to dominate games.

According to a report by Ruhr Nachrichten, Can falls under the list of players who are untouchable at Borussia Dortmund at the moment. The list also includes Gregor Kobel, Nico Schlotterbeck, Marcel Sabitzer, Julian Brandt and Niclas Füllkrug.

Can clearly appears to be the odd man out on this list, as he struggled to make any major impact over the recently concluded season, and was caught chasing bodies more often than not.

It will be interesting to see what type of role Emre Can will play next season but the numbers and past performances indicate that BVB need another quality player in that position who can at least offer a strong competition. With Salih Özcan mentioned as one of the players who can possibly leave the club in the summer, a new signing in this position has to be a priority for the club.