How Marcel Sabitzer became key for Dortmund again | OneFootball

While Marcel Sabitzer had an outstanding performance towards the end of his first season at Borussia Dortmund, particularly contributing to the team's Champions League final run, the past season was disappointing. Now, the Austrian seems to have regained his former form and is becoming increasingly important to BVB, as Sky assesses his current situation.

The mere fact that he has already appeared in the starting line-up five times this season is a strong indication that coach Niko Kovac is relying on Marcel Sabitzer again. Kovac's demands on the midfielder also suit his abilities. Lurking for opponent's ball losses, intensively conducting counter-pressing - that's exactly what Sabitzer is currently bringing to the team.

In addition, Sabitzer, who joined from FC Bayern Munich in 2023, harmonizes splendidly with Felix Nmecha, taking a back seat offensively, thus acting as the "space policeman" of BVB, as Sky puts it. Unlike under Kovac's predecessor Nuri Sahin, Sabitzer now plays an important role in the team off the pitch as well. Under Sahin, Sabitzer had increasingly become sidelined within the team, even being considered a loner. His performance on the field was also not smooth, probably because he was moved from position to position without getting his regular spot on the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

Kovac relies on Sabitzer unlike Sahin

Therefore, it was not surprising that he was considered one of the candidates for sale in the summer. However, Sabitzer himself had made it clear that he wanted to stay at BVB, which is what ultimately happened.

Since Marcel Sabitzer has now turned things around, he is now considered the opposite of being isolated. Not coincidentally, he is again part of the team council, after Kovac recently praised Sabitzer's "great experience". And because his athletic performances are so convincing, he has recently been preferred over competitors like Julian Brandt, Pascal Groß or Jobe Bellingham.

The already two scorer points - both assists - are already double the value compared to the previous season, when he scored only one goal in 39 competitive games and did not prepare any goal for BVB. However, this number is less a reflection of his regained qualities than the extent of his playing time. Coach Kovac seems to be convinced by him, with the hope that Sabitzer will continue to perform at this level as in these first weeks of his third season at Borussia Dortmund.

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