The transfer season is almost done as the top clubs are already done with their season preparation and are ready to jet off for an exciting season ahead. As for Borussia Dortmund, it has been an engaging transfer window so far. The black and yellows have lost the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan but in return, they have secured eight new signings.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has clarified that his “squad planning is complete” and also BVB club officials have approved the fact that Borussia Dortmund aren’t expected to do any more business after the Andre Schurrle deal.
However, there are still a few names clouding with possibilities of a move to the Signal Iduna Park. One of which is Juventus fullback Stephan Lichtsteiner!
The Swiss international captain and right back has handed in a transfer request at Juventus according to reports from La Stampa.
https://twitter.com/BundesligaSpot/status/770543049894141952?lang=en
Both of the arch rivals Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke are interested in the 32-year-old, who has been at Juventus for five years so far.
A leader on the pitch, Lichtsteiner to Dortmund would make sense considering their lack of experience at the back. Against Mainz on the opening match day of the new Bundesliga season, the defense looked vulnerable, lacking composure and coordination. Mainz attackers were having a lot of freedom down the flanks. The main source of their counter attacks came from the right-hand side, occupied by young Felix Passlack, who despite, impressing against Bayern in the Supercup, occasionally looked out of position.
Dortmund defense was lacking a real leader who could re-arrange the troops into a serene formation. The squad ambiance might also be a reason behind the wanting of Stephan Lichtsteiner. Even though Dortmund have unmatched depth in the squad this season, it could still be a worry as they now lack a real initiator after the loss of Mats Hummels.
As for the right back position, Tuchel have Felix Passlack, Lukasz Piszczek, Matthias Ginter and Erik Durm who could play as a right-sided defender. But here is the problem.
At 18, Felix Passlack is only having his first season with the senior squad. Even with his immense potential, Passlack’s lack of experience is clearly visible. While, Matthias Ginter’s future with Dortmund is highly in doubt. He was pretty poor in the friendlies and even though he performed fairly well at the Rio Olympics, winning a silver medal, Ginter looks to be one of the players whose future at Dortmund is highly insecure.
Erik Durm, on the other hand, is a complete liability. The 24-year old German fullback doesn’t seem to be a good fit with Thomas Tuchel’s possession based football. Durm can easily be dispossessed at vital moments thanks to his weaker foot (which forces him to cut inside instead of going forward with pace) which can open a window of opportunities for the opposition to counter.
Piszczek seems to be the only good right back in the Dortmund squad right now. However, the Polish International is highly injury prone and at the age of 31, Piszczek’s downfall is clearly visible.
Whereas Stephan Lichtsteiner has been the unsung hero behind Juventus’ highly successful defense. Playing with a three at the back formation, Lichtsteiner can usually be seen playing as the right wing back in Juventus colors. While, playing for the national team, the system switches to a four at the back structure, where Lichtsteiner gets deployed as the right back. In the Euros this year, Switzerland were largely successful with their defense lead by Lichtsteiner, conceding just two goals.
We all noticed Thomas Tuchel using the four at the back formation in the Bundesliga and in Europe and Bayern, Dortmund opted for a three/five pendulating defensive formation, both of which, the 32-year old is accustomed to.
So, a complimentary and experienced defender might just be what Dortmund needs to strengthen the defensive department and Juventus’ Stephan Lichtsteiner fits the bill perfectly. Despite his age, Lichtsteiner is still a fantastic asset for his club and country as he also got somewhat better with his age.
