Real Madrid 5-2 Borussia Dortmund: Three Takeaways from collapse at the Bernabeu
By Joseph Meyer
Borussia Dortmund is stronger without Emre Can
For much of the BVB fanbase, I’m likely repeating what you’ve already observed, and that’s that the club captain is struggling for form despite his claims to the media suggesting otherwise. Once Emre Can was introduced, he was almost immediately dispossessed. He was far too easily wrestled off the ball for a guy as physically strong as he is. I’ll give him credit for the slick pass he played into the box, leading to Maximilian Beier’s shot on target, but he’s not doing nearly enough to lead this squad and there are other options for the midfield.
If you knew nothing about football and only watched the first-half of this match, then you might think Felix Nmecha is a better player than Kylian Mbappe. Nmecha was strong on the ball, passed accurately and won ten of his twelve ground duals, many of them at Mbappe’s expense. He’s looking better with each appearance.
Marcel Sabitzer was finally used in a more familiar position to him, and he looked better than on the wing. I think there’s room for improvement, but I’m confident he can find his form in the eight role. Then there’s Pascal Groß, who’s produced quality since his arrival, and offers a constant goal threat through his playmaking and progressive passes. Emre Can should be behind all three in the double-pivot pecking order.
I’m not saying Can should never play, but it’s becoming obvious to the fans that he’s been a weak link in midfield lately. I’d argue that Can might have grown complacent, and the lack of pressure to his starting role might be negatively affecting his performances. But being dropped to the bench for a Champions League game will hopefully send a message that he needs to improve in training and on matchday. If Sahin is concerned about needing his captain to start every match, then it’s time to hand the armband to Julian Brandt or Niko Schlotterbeck, who are going to encourage the team to improve, and recognise the hard truths of the team’s deficiencies, so they can be rectified to everybody’s benefit.