Midfield Mayhem: Dortmund Faces Tough Choices Ahead of Club World Cup

Fort Lauderdale, USA - As the excitement around the Club World Cup builds, Borussia Dortmund finds itself in a unique predicament. Coach Niko Kovac has echoed concerns regarding the crowded midfield, which raises questions about tactical decisions moving forward. With a rich selection of skillful players, the challenge lies not just in who plays, but how they effectively work together on the pitch. Stimme.de reports that although the team has secured talents like Jobe Bellingham, finding the right combination hasn’t been easy.

The team’s performance in the preliminary matches leading up to the tournament offers a glimpse into Kovac’s ongoing experimentation with midfield lineups. A 0-0 draw against Fluminense and narrow victories over Mamelodi Sundowns (4-3) and HD Ulsan (1-0) indicate that while victory is possible, consistency is yet to be achieved. With national players Pascal Groß and Felix Nmecha favored for the double-six role, the competition is heating up.

Player Dynamics and Future Moves

However, it’s not just the current players who are feeling the pressure. Julian Brandt has stepped up as captain in the absence of injuries-plagued Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, but he has struggled to find his form. Meanwhile, the club is considering reducing its midfielder roster, with the possibility of offloading players like Marcel Sabitzer and Brandt himself, despite their wishes to remain at Dortmund. Brandt, who will be a free agent next summer, expressed a desire to continue wearing the black and yellow jersey. On the other hand, Sabitzer confirmed his commitment to the club, stating he is happy and has two years left on his contract.

This unfolding drama in the midfield comes amid significant transfer movements. Dortmund recently sold Jamie Gittens to Chelsea for around €65 million and Youssoufa Moukoko to FC Copenhagen for €5 million. Such moves speak to the ongoing need for financial flexibility, particularly as they chase new signings to bolster their squad.

Exciting Additions and Tactical Prospects

One notable addition to the squad is Daniel Svensson, who joined Dortmund in February 2025 and quickly made a name for himself. Not only does Kovac have high praise for Svensson, calling him a “running wonder” due to his exceptional endurance, the young Swede averages an impressive 12.92 kilometers per game—far surpassing his teammates. His versatility allows him to be a valuable asset either as a left-back or in the midfield, but he does come with some areas for improvement, such as aerial duels and finishing. Promoting this level of discipline and professionalism, he has rapidly become a staple in the squad as confirmed by BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl. For those curious to know more about Svensson’s remarkable journey, details can be found on Ruhr24.

Yet, amidst the excitement of new faces, there’s disappointment in missing out on top transfer target Ardon Jashari, who chose AC Milan over Dortmund, leaving a palpable gap in the squad’s ambitions. This marks a potential setback for the BVB as they reassess their future tactics and player combinations. With financial constraints playing a role, the club’s transfer strategy is now under scrutiny, particularly as they attempt to enhance their competitiveness with only limited resources. Keep an eye on UpChelsea for more insights into the intricacies of Dortmund’s transfer plans.

The dynamic at Dortmund is anything but boring, and as they gear up for their next challenge, it will be fascinating to see how they navigate the crowded midfield and potential exits, while striving for glory in the Club World Cup.