Schlotterbeck, Brandt and Moukoko: Is BVB Bank threatening all three?
Nico Schlotterbeck
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Borussia Dortmund can draw on almost unlimited staff. For Nico Schlotterbeck, Youssoufa Moukoko and Julian Brandt, that could mean the bank.
Currently there are hardly any failures at Borussia Dortmund. Edin Terzic has almost unlimited resources to draw from. A possible result: Nico Schlotterbeck and Julian Brandt could put it on the bench. This may also apply to Youssoufa Moukoko.
On Sunday afternoon, BVB can return to everyday league life in front of the home fans. A return that will be rather uncomfortable for some players.
Since Edin Terzic currently has almost no absentees to complain about, because in all likelihood only Thomas Meunier is not available, some players will not even make it into the squad. And others, who have mostly been part of the starting XI so far, will find themselves on the bench.
Schlotterbeck will probably have to fight back
A scenario that could become reality for Nico Schlotterbeck and Julian Brandt, for example. That goes on Thursday evening, too picture the end.
The problem for Schlotterbeck: Even in the last few weeks before the winter break, he rarely showed himself to be as confident as he actually can be. Even at the World Championships, he didn’t show himself in the form that black and yellow needed from him.
At the same time, there is a new right-back in the form of new signing Julian Ryerson. That’s why Niklas Süle no longer has to switch to the right flank, which means that he can play with Mats Hummels in central defense. In view of this possibility, Terzic will probably play it safe and will not rely on the 23-year-old in the interests of the best possible and safe restart.
Schlotterbeck will either wait for an advantageous loss of personnel or have to fight his way back into the first eleven. He has what it takes. However, he will probably have to earn the chance again.
Reus puts pressure on Brandt – Haller could already oust Moukoko
Marco Reus’ comeback plays a major role for Brandt. His extended downtime had allowed him to regain some prominence. He has been able to show several remarkable achievements. It was not uncommon for him to be one of the few Dortmunders who played really well.
His problem is that Terzic prefers Reus to him. Switching to the outside lane seems unlikely. The coach has too many other options with Donyell Malen, Giovanni Reyna, Karim Adeyemi who feel more at home in this role.
Moukoko is the third in the group. So far, it seems as if his expected contract extension cannot be announced at the stadium on Sunday.
And even if this project were to be completed by then: he would not necessarily be able to celebrate this step with a starting eleven. After all, Sebastien Haller was able to play his way into focus surprisingly quickly. The attacker, who should actually be the number one striker anyway, is much fitter than initially feared. He was even able to score in the last tests.
Insofar as possible, there is actually no reason why Terzic should not rely on Haller immediately. That would disrupt the contract negotiations, which are probably still ongoing, because the prospect of playing times is also important, but the coach will hardly be interested in that. Recently, it has already been said that he would like to take as little consideration as possible with regard to what he considers to be the best line-up.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Schlotterbeck, Brandt and Moukoko: Is BVB Bank threatening all three? released.