Addition time was running (90+4) at Signal Iduna Park. BVB braced itself against the impending defeat. The ball sailed through the RB penalty area, Süle got to the ball, took a shot with his right and the ball whizzed into the goal after a deflection.
Süle fell to her knees. Knowing full well that this was probably the last big chance for a point against RB Leipzig – and for the first double in his career. Hardly anyone would have believed it before the game – probably not even the 28-year-old himself.
It was only after Mats Hummels was sent off (15th minute) that Süle even played in the 2-3 defeat – and the substitute took his chance. Although Leipzig initially took the lead, Süle gave stability to the recently shaky BVB defense and also impressed with his passing accuracy (94 percent).
Süle was also the fastest Borussia player on the pitch (33.87 kilometers per hour). There was no trace of his illness, which had paralyzed him for the past three games and prevented him from playing.
In the constant rain in Dortmund, Süle ignored all the criticism he had recently received. The national player accepted the fight and showed what he is capable of.
Not just because he deliberately pushed a buttery cross from Brandt into the Leipzig goal with his inside right side in stoppage time in the first half to make it 1-1. With his first goal of the season and his 16th Bundesliga goal ever, he breathed new life into his team. He bit, directed and took responsibility.
Most recently, Süle had to line up as number three defender behind Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterback. Even U23 players Hendry Blank and Antonios Papadopoulos seemed to have the edge at times.
Süle has only been in the starting line-up three times this season (six substitutions) – he is likely to start in the coming games, also because of the suspension for Hummels.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann recently decided against using the 49-time senior national player against Austria and Turkey. The 36-year-old preferred to try out Kai Havertz (Arsenal FC, 24) as a full-back instead. Ultimately, this change did not bring stability to the German team.
Süle can therefore be a solution – especially in situations that seem difficult. How fitting. Not just for the DFB team.