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Finding the next Marco Reus for Borussia Dortmund
(Data Sources: FBRef/StatsBomb, WhoScored, Understat)
RTs appreciated!
(Data Sources: FBRef/StatsBomb, WhoScored, Understat)
RTs appreciated!
Since returning to his boyhood club in 2012, Marco Reus has been Borussia Dortmund's star player, performing admirably despite frequent injuries. Infact, the 31-year-old has bagged 132 goals and a further 83 assists in 278 competitive appearances for Borussia.
But whilst replacing him on the pitch will be hard enough, his overall legacy cannot be replicated. Besides multiple illustrious moments such as his brace against Bayern in 2018, Reus has also cemented legendary status by expressing rare loyalty.
Therefore, one shouldn't take 'the next Marco Reus' too seriously. All in all, he is a unique player and amongst Dortmund fans, he will be remembered as iconic figure once he retires. Personally, the thought of my favourite player retiring in a few years devastates me already.
Nonetheless, we should look at his profile. Once an electric winger under Jürgen Klopp, Reus has transformed into a world-class 10 under Lucien Favre. Incredibly prolific and creative, Reus provides consistent threat despite not being a high volume dribbler anymore.
Knowing that, his successor should approximately meet the following criteria (all per 90 minutes):
- 0.4 xG
- 3 Shots
- 7 Touches In Box
- 0.2 xA
- 2.5 Successful Dribbles
- 4.5+ Pressure Regains
- 0.15 xG/Shot
- 0.4 xG
- 3 Shots
- 7 Touches In Box
- 0.2 xA
- 2.5 Successful Dribbles
- 4.5+ Pressure Regains
- 0.15 xG/Shot
Having filtered out players with said profile, I also considered age, market value, current systems, chance of a transfer plus tactical reminiscence of Reus. Then, I ranked them after their respective results which resulted in this top five:
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig):Valued at around 30 Million Euros, the PSG academy graduate has so far been excellent for Leipzig. Combining creativity and intelligent movement with an eye for goal, it won't be easy to get him to Dortmund but it would certainly be worth it.
Dominik Szoboszlai (RB Salzburg):Currently catching the eyes of many, Dominik Szoboszlai is the latest top prospect of RB Salzburg. Already similar to Reus on paper, the Hungarian is also a set piece specialist, striking wonderful free-kicks.
Joaquín Correa (Lazio):He may already be 26 years old but for a period of 4-5 years, the Argentine may be a promising option. Capable of playing as second striker, Correa could fit well into Dortmund's attack.
Christoph Baumgartner (TSG Hoffenheim):A high-tempo attacking midfielder, Baumgartner has been amongst Hoffenheim's most prolific players in 2020. Impressing with his runs, he already seems quite mature for his age of 21. Additionally, he is only valued at 13 Million Euros.
Matheus Cunha (Hertha BSC):My pick and also the one of others, Matheus Cunha has been a revelation at Hertha. A quick dribbler with great attacking instincts, Cunha is similar enough to Reus whilst also taking on opponents. He seems like a very viable option.
Thanks for reading!
