The Borussia Dortmund Benchwarmer’s Playbook

Sebastien Haller has a difficult task ahead of him if he wishes to start for Borussia Dortmund. The bosses have made it clear they are planning the squad without Haller in mind, and they’ve also sought a transfer for the Ivorian, but those plans have not come to fruition.

The striker scene has changed in Dortmund: Niklas Füllkrug has left the club, and Youssoufa Moukoko is expected to leave, but the signings of Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier have left Haller as the third-choice striker once again.  In addition, Sahin has recently experimented formations without a proper number nine, playing Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, or Marcel Sabitzer in hybrid-roles. But Haller’s chances could yet come.

With Guirassy injured to start the season, and Maxi Beier having only just joined the club, there may be some substitute opportunities for Haller. When those do come, he has to show his ability to score, and contribute to build-up play. If he can manage a few positive appearances from the bench in September, he might still have a role to play this season. 

Salih Özcan is being iced out of a squad with an increasingly impressive midfield depth. It’s hard to imagine Özcan will be starting anytime soon. Emre Can has retained the captain’s armband, which is a significant indication Sahin plans to use him regularly.

Özcan has played back-up to Can in recent memory, but the addition of Pascal Groß outclasses the Turkish international from the defensive midfield unless something drastic happens. Even with an injury to Can or Groß, Borussia Dortmund still retain a high talent pool with youngsters like Wätjen ready to step up. So if Özcan wants to play regular first-team football, then he should probably seek a transfer, either now or in January.