Arsenal FC attackers should learn from Borussia Dortmund’s offensive mentality
When one takes a look at German Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund, and English Premier League outfit Arsenal, a lot of similarities are found. Both sides are reliant on youth, they never splash ample amount of cash on the best talent in the world. Both
sides play attractive football that is always eye-catching and a treat for the neutral. However, there is one difference that sets Borussia Dortmund apart. The Ruhr club has been able to transform its eye-candy football into silverware, something the Gunners
have failed to achieve for the past six seasons.
Last six years have seen a rollercoaster ride in London where the club has shown a lot of promise but not much to show for it. Nearly men they always have been. Good starts have always ended up in comprehensive disappointments, no matter how convincing and
formidable the Gunners have been in the last five seasons. The six-year long trophy drought has led many people pointing fingers at manager Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman has religiously adhered to the system of promising youth and his emphasis on ‘beautiful’
style of play. Many claim that the Gunners need a blend of youth and experience in order to win titles and accolades – something that Arsene Wenger has never tried. A look at the Ruhr area might be a lot helpful for Arsene Wenger. It reveals that Arsene Wenger’s
philosophy and system might not be as romantic and beautiful as it appears.
In the ongoing 2010/11 season, BVB have literally romped their way to being Bundesliga champions. In the 48-year history of the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have become the youngest side to lift the salad bowl (Bundesliga shield). Though BVB and Arsenal
have a lot of similarities in their playing style, the gap in success proves that the English Premier League side should learn a few lessons from their German counterparts, whose winning-mentality, no-nonsense defence and their work rate are as important as
their excellent attack.
Jurgen Klopp’s side always play an attractive and forward-minded game. The two teams have similar characters in their midfields. Nuri Sahin and Cesc Fabregas are the central playmakers for their respective sides. Out wide, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Walcott-c34873
play their roles as athletic and tricky wingers wile teenage sensation Mario Gotze and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360 provide a lot of creativity down the flanks. However, the way all these players are utilised differs a lot.
When in possession, BVB’s pace sets them apart from the English side. Though Dortmund players are gifted enough to play tiki-taka football like Arsenal, the Germans prefer going straight for goal even if it gives their opponents a chance to win back the
ball. However, this technique does not allow opponents to regroup. Go back to February’s win against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. BVB won the ball in their own half and centre-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nuri-Sahin-c28251 as quickly
as possible. The Turkish International received the pass and then set-up a routine counterattacking opportunity.
Even when BVB come across a defensive-minded opponent, Dortmund’s one-touch passing from the midfield to the opponent’s penalty area is done in a minimal time – something that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 never do. This German side creates more chances and scores more goals
even though there is a vast gulf between the class of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380. All these factors (of having a top-class striker in Van Persie and having a relatively inconsistent one in Barrios) makes no difference for Dortmund as their
direct approach towards the goal, along with their fancy overall play, makes Dortmund a superior unit than Arsenal.
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