Julian Brandt, Borussia Dortmund’s senior-most player has had a poor season by both Borussia Dortmund’s and his own standards. He achieved 17 Bundesliga goal contributions in both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, while he increased that number to 18 last season. This season, Brandt is currently on 14 Goals + Assists; that number might sound high, but Julian Brandt has scored twice and assisted three in the last three matches. With performances like these, perhaps there is a place for Brandt as a 10 moving forward?
Julian Brandt’s Confidence
Julian Brandt is a player who tends to perform in accordance with his confidence. From my observations, Julian Brandt is easily influenced by the mood of the players around him. When the team is flying high, Brandt is playmaking figure. When the team is falling apart, Brandt becomes a ghost on the pitch. He’s not the player to spark a comeback, nor is he the one best suited for leading the squad. But if Brandt has competent direction and teammates who are encouraging, then Julian Brandt performs: 1-goal vs Hoffenheim; 2-assists vs Wolfsburg; 1-goal + 1-assist vs Bayer Leverkusen.
Niko Kovač’s Influence
Like many players in Borussia Dortmund’s squad, Julian Brandt has produced several abysmal performances this season. But for someone who is on his third consecutive season recording over 3000 minutes in all competitions, I suggest the 29-year-old’s diminishing form could be linked partially to fatigue. Perhaps Niko Kovač recognized something that Nuri Sahin could not: Julian Brandt needed rest. He was benched for the match against Borussia Monchengladbach, and since then he’s performed like the Julian Brandt we remember. Maybe Niko Kovač has inspired the player’s return to form, and maybe Kovač will see a place for Brandt next season.
Brandt’s Contract
Julian Brandt’s contract situation is precarious because he will be entering the final year, and the player still has a market value of 25-million euros. Dortmund could make a decent profit selling the player, and he hasn’t made a strong enough case for a contract extension, yet BVB could yet retain his services, especially if the player is willing to adapt and prove his place in the squad. He’s done well in that regard recently, and maybe Kovač has realized Brandt isn’t a player who can give 90-minutes every three to four days. BVB will surely rebuild their midfield this summer, but we might see a twist in Julian Brandt’s future.