Addressing Borussia Dortmund’s Right-Back Conundrum: Top Solutions for the Future
After closing a remarkable 2020-21 season by clinching the DFB-Pokal and securing third in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund faced a changing of the guard on the right side of defense. The retirement of long-serving Polish defender Łukasz Piszczek left a significant void. Further complicating matters, Mateu Morey suffered a severe knee injury, while Achraf Hakimi’s departure to Inter Milan a season prior thinned options even further. Although Thomas Meunier made strides under Marco Rose, a long-term, dynamic right-back remains a clear priority for Dortmund’s recruitment team. Here, we assess the leading contenders to fill this crucial role.
Jeremie Frimpong: The Dynamic Bundesliga Standout
Among the top potential signings, Jeremie Frimpong stands out as an ideal candidate for the right-back position. Since his move to Bayer Leverkusen, the energetic wing-back impressed during the 2020-21 campaign with 1 goal and 6 assists, directly contributing to seven of Leverkusen’s goals. What sets Frimpong apart is his exceptional pace, tactical intelligence in transition, and advanced positioning that complements attacking wingers.
According to performance metrics, Frimpong logs 8.72 progressive carries and 2.20 progressive dribbles per 90 minutes—numbers that are world-class for a full-back. He leads the Bundesliga in progressive carries and distance covered with the ball, underscoring his value in Gerardo Seoane’s attacking system.
Defensively, Frimpong boasts a tackle success rate of 58% against dribbles and registers 2.21 blocks per 90. However, his tackle and interception counts are relatively modest, indicating that his primary strengths favor offensive play. While this is beneficial for Dortmund’s forward momentum, it also highlights the ongoing need for defensive solidity on the flank.
Matty Cash: Defensively Sound and Consistently Reliable
Matty Cash, currently at Aston Villa, emerges as another strong option. Not only is he experienced after two Premier League seasons, but his well-rounded style checks both defensive and attacking boxes. Unlike Frimpong, Cash thrives as a defensive specialist, ranking in the top five Premier League full-backs for tackles and interceptions with averages of 2.9 tackles and 2.61 interceptions per 90 minutes.
Despite Aston Villa’s limited right-sided attacking patterns, Cash has still managed to contribute 1 goal and 1 assist in recent appearances. However, one concern lies in his distribution: his pass completion rate sits at 69.5%, with only 38.8% accuracy on long balls. This underperformance from wide crosses could pose challenges for a possession-oriented team like Dortmund. Nonetheless, Cash’s robust defensive record and likeness to the now-retired Piszczek make him a natural fit for any side seeking balance.
Noussair Mazraoui: The Complete Modern Full-Back
Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui is a hot property in the European market, especially as he became a free agent after the 2021-22 season. Mazraoui contributed 5 goals and 2 assists over 20 Eredivisie matches, standing out with his ability to attack high up the pitch and defensive discipline during transitions. His comfort in possession-based, positionally fluid systems makes him an attractive option for Dortmund’s style.
Mazraoui regularly receives progressive passes (7.14 per game in European competition) and excels at finding and exploiting spaces. Internationally, he’s posted 3.68 tackles and 2.38 interceptions per 90 in European competitions – numbers that compare favorably to notable full-backs like Alphonso Davies, Reece James, and Joao Cancelo. His aerial strength and physical profile (6’0” tall, 63% aerial win rate) resemble Meunier, adding further tactical flexibility.
Kyle Walker-Peters: Versatile and Tactically Intelligent
Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters has rebuilt his reputation in the Premier League, becoming indispensable thanks to his speed, composure under pressure, and tactical awareness. Capable of playing on either flank, he effectively balances overlapping runs with disciplined positioning, adapting to both three- and four-men defensive lines.
He matches up well in progressive carries and dribbles, and outperforms some peers with a press success rate above 32%. While his role occasionally limits his attacking contributions, his ability to play multiple positions and adapt to various tactical setups would be invaluable for a squad forced to rotate or manage injuries. Walker-Peters would likely offer a cost-effective and low-risk solution while potentially allowing Morey to return gradually from injury.
Joao Mario: Rising Star from the Portuguese League
Joao Mario, Porto’s breakout full-back (not to be confused with the similarly-named former Benfica midfielder), has emerged as a creative and forward-thinking option. With 4 assists this season across domestic and European fixtures, Mario’s technical skills and crossing accuracy (47.6%) set him apart from his peers.
He thrives in a possession-dominant system and is adept at threading accurate passes into the box, which would benefit a striker like Erling Haaland. Considering his experience in a Champions League-caliber side, Mario’s transition to Dortmund could be relatively seamless, providing both attacking thrust and opportunities for tactical growth.
Statistical Comparison of Dortmund’s Right-Back Options
To better compare these candidates, analyzing key statistical categories for both attack and defense is essential. The following tables provide a summary based on league play data:
| Player | Goals/90 | Assists/90 | Progressive Carries/90 | Dribble Success % | Cross Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremie Frimpong | 0.08 | 0.48 | 8.72 | ~60% | — |
| Matty Cash | 0.07 | 0.12 | 5.52 | — | — |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 0.25 | 0.12 | — | — | — |
| Kyle Walker-Peters | 0.09 | 0.07 | 5.96 | — | — |
| Joao Mario | 0.11 | 0.23 | — | — | 47.6% |
| Player | Tackles + Interceptions/90 | Tackle Success % | Blocks/90 | Aerial Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremie Frimpong | 2.5 | 58% | 2.21 | — |
| Matty Cash | 5.5 | — | — | — |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 6.1 | 65.6% | — | 63% |
| Kyle Walker-Peters | 5.7 | — | — | — |
| Joao Mario | — | — | — | — |
*Note: Dashes indicate unavailable or non-published data.*
Who Should Dortmund Target? Final Thoughts
Selecting a successor to Piszczek is a pivotal decision for Dortmund. Cash and Walker-Peters present clear defensive strengths and reliability; however, Frimpong and Mazraoui offer higher attacking upside that aligns closely with Dortmund’s attacking philosophy. Of particular note, Frimpong’s proven experience in the Bundesliga and youth (21 years) suggest immense potential for further development. Mazraoui, with his Champions League pedigree and anticipated free transfer, combines high-level experience with economic value.
While each candidate brings unique strengths, Jeremie Frimpong emerges as the most complete option, delivering both offensive dynamism and sufficient defensive acumen for Marco Rose’s system. Dortmund’s recruitment should prioritize securing such a multi-dimensional talent, though all identified players would strengthen the right-back role and offer tactical options moving forward.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Dortmund’s Defense
As Dortmund aim to solidify their defensive line and recapture their customary attacking flair, investing in a modern, versatile right-back is essential. The profiles reviewed here—each with compelling qualities—represent some of the top choices available in the current market. Frimpong’s Bundesliga experience and attacking output mark him as the frontrunner, but alternatives like Mazraoui, Cash, Walker-Peters, and Mario all warrant strong consideration. Whatever their final choice, acting decisively will be key to maintaining the club’s competitive edge at home and in Europe.
