A goal in every second game – Anthony Modeste at Borussia Dortmund is far from this outstanding quota from Cologne times. A look at the statistical details in the Bundesliga also shows: Modeste is clearly lagging behind BVB’s expectations.
Now, before his emotional return to Cologne-Müngersdorf on Matchday 8 (Saturday, 3:30 p.m., live audio and live ticker on sportschau.de), his regular place is up for discussion.
According to Volk’s voice on the internet, Youssouffa Moukoko should start in the center of the attack. The 17-year-old made himself popular with his goal in the derby win against FC Schalke 04 (1-0). He scored as a wildcard after replacing Modeste in the 64th minute.
Modeste’s disappointing record
This was his eighth start (six times in the Bundesliga and two times in the Champions League) and disappointed for the seventh time. Only one goal, the winning goal against Hertha BSC (1-0) on the 4th matchday, is on his note.
That’s not enough for the striker, who was supposed to replace the sick Sebastian Haller. In turn, he was considered a storm hope after the sale of Erling Haaland.
For Cologne’s trainer Steffen Baumgart, Modeste’s jamming can be explained. At FC, the team behind him ensured that Modeste was able to shine with 20 goals last season. “We created a lot of chances to score – that’s why someone like Tony was worth his weight in gold”, said Baumgart.
Significantly fewer flanks at BVB
The data support Baumgart’s thesis. FC have fed Modeste in the penalty area consistently over the past season, making more crosses than any other team, 15 per game. Modeste scored ten of his 20 goals with a header, six of them from crosses – these were also league bests.
BVB, on the other hand, relies more on a quick combination game, with which Modeste is visibly and unsurprisingly alienated. Only nine crosses per game fly into the penalty area, six fewer than last time at FC.
The result: Modeste only had 1.5 shots per game – last year in Cologne it was 3.4. He is less on the ball (21 to 26), wins fewer tackles (38.4 percent to 44 percent) and has a poorer passing rate (58 percent to 69 percent).
| 1. FC Cologne 2021/22 | BVB 2022/23 | |
|---|---|---|
| goals per game | 0.63 | 0.13 |
| minutes for a goal | 131 | 498 |
| shots per game | 3.4 | 1.5 |
| Assisted shots per game | 0.59 | 0.25 |
| Ball possession phases/90 min. | 26 | 21 |
| Tackles won (%) | 44 | 38.4 |
| Running distance/90 min (km) | 9.5 | 9.4 |
Changeable career
Modeste’s career has been marked by changeable achievements. At 1. FC Köln he experienced his heyday under coach Peter Stöger. He shot a mediocre team to ninth place with 15 goals (2016) and then to the Europa League with 25 goals (2017).
Modeste then moved to China, which filled his wallet and ruined his form. After a legal dispute over salary payments and a few months without playing, he returned to Cologne after a year and a half in the winter of 2018/19.
But the lack of training, injuries and changing coaches contributed to Modeste falling into a deep hole in form. The loan to his French homeland in the second half of 2021 did not bring any improvement either – Modeste remained goalless in seven games for AS Saint-Étienne.
Modeste in the Saint-Étienne jersey
Important support from the coaches
It was all the more amazing that Modeste at the age of 33 blossomed again last season. He had worked on his fitness and completed the entire preparation without injury. Coach Baumgart relied on him, Modeste scored four times in the first five games of the season – the mental insecurity gave way, self-confidence grew.
Successful duo: Modeste (left) and Baumgart
In Dortmund, too, Modeste has the backing of the coach, which is so important to him. Edin Terzic defends him vehemently against the emerging criticism. “Unfortunately, he’s only been training with us for a short time. We’re happy with him,” he told the “Ruhr Nachrichten”. “We as a team have to use his weapons.”
Moukoko pushes and is battered
When he returns to Cologne, Modeste should be given another chance for emotional reasons alone, although Moukoko is pushing into the starting eleven – also with public statements. Against Schalke he has “with anger in my stomach” played because he wanted to play from the start, Moukoko said. Now, however, he could also be slowed down by an injury, he came back from the U21 national team with a neck injury.
Whistles for Modeste?
The Cologne fans will probably greet Modeste with whistles – his departure at the beginning of the season was too sudden. It was the second time he left FC before a European Cup season.
Coach Baumgart, on the other hand, is not unforgiving. “From my point of view, he didn’t do anything wrong.” As a coach he is happy “that I was allowed to work with him. Tony is a fine guy who I don’t let anything come to me.”