Four BVB competitive debuts: these new signings promise more | OneFootball

Even despite the 1-2 defeat against Bayern, BVB head coach Niko Kovac was quick to make one thing clear: “All four showed why we signed them.”

Joane Gadou completed the entire pre-season and was able to make a case for himself at right center-back from day one in Dortmund. He was also in BVB’s starting lineup against Munich. The same went for Kosta Karetsas, who buzzed around on the right wing for more than an hour. In the second half, Giannis Konstantelias and Joey Veerman made their first-ever appearances in black and yellow. Both had only been on the pitch with their new teammates for the first time during the training week.

Konstantelias provides a new spark

Giannis Konstantelias probably made the biggest impression on Saturday evening. The Greek midfielder took part in training for the first time on Friday, but was still sent on against Bayern Munich from the 46th minute.

Remarkably, the 23-year-old needed no time to settle in. As early as the 52nd minute, he attempted a spectacular scissor kick that was just blocked. He was also directly involved in many transitions and shots on goal after that. That included the goal that made it 1-2, scored by Fabio Silva, which Konstantelias had set up with a wonderfully delicate pass. Niko Kovac was full of praise: “He did really well. The way he set up the goal was top class.”

With his ideas and his drive going forward, Konstantelias looks likely to quickly earn even more playing time.

Veerman brings vision and structure

Joey Veerman also has only a few training sessions with his new team under his belt. He made his BVB debut in the 62nd minute.

Veerman immediately took responsibility in central midfield. The Dutchman brought order and passing security to a game in which Dortmund were now pushing much higher and increasingly forcing Bayern back. He switched the play, pulled the strings and had plenty of touches in his brief half-hour. Afterwards, Niko Kovac described the new signing from Eindhoven as “a revitalizing element” for the Black and Yellows.

Veerman himself described his first appearance in a BVB shirt as “a special day” and stressed: “We want to challenge for titles this season and I want to be part of that.” His impact was less spectacular than Konstantelias’, but more about structure.

18-year-old Karetsas remarkably composed

Before the Supercup, Kosta Karetsas had already shown in the friendlies at Arsenal (3-2) and against Roma (2-2) that he has real footballing quality.

He was also a real livewire on the right side of the attack against Bayern Munich. Many BVB attacks were started by him, and shortly after the break only FCB goalkeeper Manuel Neuer denied him his first goal at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. The 18-year-old looks remarkably composed and also took responsibility straight away for free-kicks and corners.

BVB coach Kovac highlighted Karetsas’ carefree style: “With Kosta, you could see the imagination he has in his play, and what a left foot he has.” For the Bundesliga opener against Hamburger SV, Karetsas remains a candidate for the starting lineup.

Gadou the fastest man on the pitch

Joane Gadou was once again in that lineup against Munich. The 19-year-old operated on the right side of the back three and impressed with his uncompromising style. Without the ball, he never shied away from a challenge and played with courage.

“He is very quick, very uncompromising and aggressive. It’s damn difficult to get away from him,” Kovac said, also crediting the young defender with a strong performance. At more than 35 km/h, no one was clocked faster than Gadou that evening. Over the coming weeks, it will mainly be about building understanding for him, as the Supercup was the very first time he had played alongside fellow center-back Waldemar Anton.

Four debuts, four new options

The Supercup did not bring BVB a trophy, but it did provide important insights. Karetsas and Gadou proved they are ready for the starting lineup, while Konstantelias and Veerman brought fresh impetus off the bench. All four made an excellent first impression and have only increased the excitement ahead of the Bundesliga opener next Saturday evening (18:30 on Sky).Mats-Yannick Roth

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.