Dortmund's nonchalant "street workers" enchanting Europe

Source: Xinhua| 2018-10-04 21:43:50|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- The German word "Strassenfußballer," street footballer, stands for everything that makes football one of the most exciting sports. It tells the story about young, enthusiastic and skillful players full of desire when kicking the ball around at every opportunity - not only on grass pitches but anywhere on the streets of their neighborhoods.

As for Borussia Dortmund, street football is the most used phrase to describe the team as the Yellow and Blacks can count on several of the most promising talents in European football. Jadon Sancho (18), Jacob Bruun Larsen (20), Christian Pulisic (20) and Dan-Axel Zagadou (19) not only stand for youthful nonchalance but for incredible efficiency.

Together with experienced players like 29-year-old German international Marco Reus, coach Lucien Favre's side has developed to a dominant unit both in the Champions League and domestic league this season.

After a 3-0 victory over AS Monaco, Borussia has gone top of Group A ahead of Spanish giant Atletico Madrid. They have also now scored 25 goals in nine games in all competitions.

Leader Reus is full of admiration for his young teammates saying they are one of the main reasons for his side's upturn in fortunes. "Having street footballers around like Jadon and Jacob gives you ultimate motivation and joy. They allow us to play football at its best," the striker commented.

Fans are also praising Sancho, Bruun Larsen and Reus as the team's new magic triangle.

Also, the Swiss Favre has established a new core group in a short time. Keeper Roman Buerki, Swiss international Manuel Akanji, Belgian Axel Witsel, who used to play in the Chinese Super League, and German international Reus give the side a balance and at the same time creating an atmosphere in which the youngsters can excel.

Coming from Manchester City's academy, Sancho has made massive step. An eight million euro signing, the London-born striker has already provided nine assists in nine games and his shots hit the target every 26 minutes on average.

Europe's superstars Lionel Messi (Barcelona) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus Turin) have only managed to deliver four assists so far this season.

The Dortmund coach is happy about the boundless creativity as long as the youngsters obey his orders to stabilize in the defense. "These guys know how to confuse opponents," said the 60-year-old before adding the team still needs go step by step and not think long-term.

Nevertheless, the future seems promising. A few days ago Sancho was rewarded by his club with a new contract until 2022.

The fact that both Sancho and Bruun Larsen are only "part-timers" and not part of Dortmund's regular starting eleven adds to their unusual story.

Favre said one of Dortmund's advantages was its strength in depth. "We have many options in a game to put opponents under pressure when they get tired," Favre commented. Reus called the side's many alternatives a source for titles.

The duel against Monaco was only the second time Sancho was actually in the starting eleven.

Danish striker Bruun Larsen has already delivered 15 scorer-points (goals and assists) this season despite the fact he hasn't been a regular yet, but is knocking at the team's door.

For now, says Favre, it pleases him and the entire team to see the development. "Of course we hope for more to come. But don't let us forget how young these guys are," he added with a big smile running over his face.

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