One last table will give more insight into the regression of Julian Brandt this Bundesliga season. All data is from statistics websites Fbref and Fotmob and is used on a per 90’ basis. Before reading it and interpreting the data, here is a key:
- SCA - 'Shot Creating Action.' The two offensive actions leading to a shot. Think passes, take-ons or even drawing a foul.
- Dead Ball Scenarios - SCA from a dead ball scenario, for example taking a corner kick.
- Take ons - A successful dribble that leads to a shot.
- GCA - 'Goal Creating Action.' The two offensive actions leading to a goal.
Bundeslig-a Season | SCA | Dead Ball Scenarios | Take Ons | GCA | Crosses Attempted | Crossing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
21/22 | 4.20 | 1.13 | 0.3 | 0.95 | 5.54 | 28.9% |
22/23 | 4.99 | 1.20 | 0.23 | 0.75 | 6.2 | 29.7% |
23/24 | 5.38 | 1.75 | 0.28 | 0.69 | 6.68 | 29.7% |
24/25 | 3.97 | 0.31 | 0.1 | 0.31 | 3.46 | 19.7% |
The table shows that Brandt’s dribbling is having an effect on his ability to create shots, as take ons leading to SCAs is down to almost ⅓ of what it was in prior seasons. Even worse is the amount of SCAs made from dead ball scenarios. Brandt’s output may have relied on his taking of corners and free kicks in the previous three seasons. A decrease in SCAs output has a direct correlation to less involvement in dead ball scenarios for the German. His SCAs from live ball scenarios are actually higher than they have been in the last three seasons, which is a positive sign.
Another regression by Brandt is in his crosses attempted and completed per 90’. With a great aerial striker in Guirassy, it is disappointing to see a decrease in both crosses attempted and crossing accuracy from the midfielder. It is another way in which his SCAs are down this season. His decreased involvement in dead ball scenarios are likely to blame for this change.
For all of the explanations described already, it should not come as a surprise that Brandt has much lower GCAs than in seasons prior. In contrast to Dortmund's attacking midfielder, Felix Nmecha has averaged 0.32 GCA this season. Pascal Groẞ is at 0.5 and even Marcel Sabitzer sits at 0.31 GCA per 90’. For being the team's attacking midfielder, Brandt is not having the needed output from someone in his position.
The regression of Dortmund’s number 10 can also be seen in his transfer value. His play on the field and the length of his contract have seen Brandts transfer value plummet this season according to Transfermarkt. The 23/24 season had the former Leverkusen player rated at €40 million before it fell to €25 million this month. It is clear that Brandt has had a disappointing season from the view of the fans. Using the statistics available to me, I conclude that the biggest reasons behind his low output of goals and assists are his Diminishing involvement in corners and free kicks in addition to his decreased dribbling ability. Also, poor shooting accuracy from the player isn't doing Brandt any favors. In a season where little is going right for player and club, could Chukwuemeka see that chance to replace Brandt for the remainder of the season?