Return of the King
A disappointing start of the year, a short stretch of good form after the sacking of Nuri Sahin - soon to be cut off by an injury, after which he returned to his poor form. It’s safe to say the 24/25 season hasn’t been very kind to Julian Brandt, but tonight his class was undeniable. Today Borussia Dortmund fans got to witness a fantastic performance by the number 10, topped off by a pre-assist of the highest calibre for the opener of the night, followed up by an even better striker to make it 2-1.
That being said, Brandt wasn’t the only BVB player to make an unexpected return. For the first time in 49 days, Jamie Gittens was awarded a spot in the starting line-up for a Bundesliga match - this time as a Second Striker, replacing the injured Maxi Beier. The 20 year-old was often the difference-maker for Sahin’s Dortmund, but wasn’t much able to replicate his form after Kovac’ arrival. Despite that, the youngster didn’t do all that bad as that emergency option - even winning a penalty that could’ve sealed the deal early on.
Though, there was also one return that didn’t really work all that well in comparison: Emre Can’s return to the midfield. Over the last few years Can has managed to become a main-stay in the Dortmund team sheet. Though despite his defensive capabilities, concerns were often raised about his lack of quality in build-up - prompting Kovač to switch him permanently to the central-defense. A change that’s worked out wonders since. Though that being said, it shouldn’t be too surprising to hear that Felix Nmecha had to do most of the build-up for the day.