Currently second place in the Bundesliga table, Borussia Dortmund have started the season in fine form. Under new manager Lucien Favre, Dortmund are slowly adjusting to a tweaked system, improving game by game.
The team’s new faces have made an instant impact, with the likes of Axel Witsel and Abdou Diallo fitting in nicely. Playing two young centre-backs, Favre has been relying on his experienced full-backs.
On one side Marcel Schmelzer, the other Łukasz Piszczek. Now 33-years-old, Piszczek has been a reliable option for years. However, as recent performances have proven it’s time to move on, with teenager Achraf Hakimi waiting for an opportunity.
Achraf Hakimi Should Start for Borussia Dortmund
Joining Dortmund in 2010, Piszczek has been a key member of the team’s defence for years. Playing over 200 games, he’s played under both Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
Piszczek was a valuable player for both of his ex-managers. However, age has caught up with the Polish right-back. Once a reliable option, Piszczek is now seen as the old man of the Dortmund defence.
As the club looks to get younger, Piszczek’s role in the team is now under threat, after the emergence of 19-year-old Achraf Hakimi.
Impressive Debut
At this point in the Bundesliga season, the schedule can become a bit hectic. Matchdays four, five and six all come within a week of one another and, just like all teams, Dortmund has begun rotating the team.
On Wednesday, Favre rested some players, with Champions League commitments on the horizon. Beating newly promoted side Nürnberg 7-0 on the night, Favre’s team was impressive from start to finish. In a game full of positives for Dortmund, one defender stood out amongst the rest.
Given his debut, Hakimi rewarded Favre with a quality performance from start to finish. Filling in for Piszczek, who was rested, Hakimi didn’t look out of place.
Scoring on the night, the Moroccan played a key role in the win. Dortmund’s right side has been vulnerable all season, with Wednesday’s win the first game without issue. Hakimi also had 117 touches and completed 89 out of 94 passes, in what was a superb performance by the debutant.
Achraf Hakimi vs Łukasz Piszczek
Favre is in a tricky situation here, the choice between youth and experience. Piszczek is a solid defender who is currently battling age.
Defensively, Piszczek struggles against some of the pacier wingers in the Bundesliga, just like any 33-year-old. Offensively, he remains the relentless overlapping full-back, playing just behind Christian Pulisic.
However, effort can’t replace speed, something that has passed Piszczek by. Out of contract next summer, Piszczek’s time at Dortmund is coming to an end. As Dortmund undergoes a youth revolution, Favre should go all out and make this change.
One key reason as to why Favre won’t do this is the team’s inexperienced centre-backs. Starting Diallo (22) next to Manuel Akanji (23) is a risk, but so far it’s paid off for Favre, with both young defenders making big strides game after game.
As they improve, installing Hakimi into the starting lineup could see three of the best young defenders in Europe playing alongside one another. Here’s why Hakimi can become a key player for Dortmund.
A rare breed, Hakimi is quick, strong and composed for his age. Morocco’s starting right-back at this year’s World Cup in Russia, Hakimi isn’t fazed by the big stage. Signing on loan from Real Madrid until the summer of 2020, Hakimi looks to be the future at right-back for Dortmund.
With Favre resting Piszczek on Wednesday, it’s unlikely we see this change happen any time soon. However, it’s only a matter of time, with Hakimi improving rapidly and Piszczek’s contract expiring soon. Favre will need to be brave and take a leap of faith with Hakimi, a move that will pay off with time.
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