After Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain and the associated group win in the Champions League, Niklas Süle in particular was celebrated for his rescue act when Kylian Mbappé almost certainly scored a goal. Former professional Dietmar Hamann praised the BVB star, but called for more consistency in his performance.
“Niklas Süle’s rescue operation against Kylian Mbappé was outstanding, even if it was preceded by his own mistake, but he has to consistently deliver such performances again,” wrote Hamann in his “Sky” column.
It’s up to Süle to “finally take on the leadership role that so many expect of him, then there’s no way around him at BVB and in the national team,” the 50-year-old continued.
According to Hamann, there are reasons why Süle only played a few games at BVB recently and Mats Hummels was mostly preferred. “Hummels is almost 35 years old and isn’t getting any faster. Süle has to think about why Hummels still gets preference every week,” said the former Dortmund player.
Süle has never lacked appreciation. “The expectations that people have of him come from the fact that people expect such actions from him. He has shown before that he can do it, he was the CL winner with Bayern three years ago,” praised Hamann.
BVB’s group victory is an “amazing performance,” the TV expert continued to enthuse.
With two wins in the last two games of the year at FC Bayern and against 1. FSV Mainz 05, Dortmund could prove that they have caught themselves, “that they have grown up,” said Hamann: “If they win both games If we win, Dortmund – including the Champions League – could look back on a good to above-average preliminary round and celebrate Christmas wonderfully. Who would have thought that after the cup exit in Stuttgart?”