Raphaël Guerreiro Thrives in the Number 10 Role for Borussia Dortmund
When both Julian Brandt and Marco Reus were sidelined ahead of the highly significant Revierderby against FC Schalke, Borussia Dortmund fans were left wondering how manager Edin Terzic would reorganize his squad. Rather than moving Jude Bellingham into a more advanced playmaking role, Terzic made a bold decision: he pushed Raphaël Guerreiro—a player traditionally known for his versatility at left-back and in midfield—forward into the central attacking midfield, the coveted “10” position.
Guerreiro’s Evolution: From Full-Back to Creative Heartbeat
Throughout his Dortmund tenure, Guerreiro has showcased immense adaptability, contributing as a left wing-back, left winger, and central midfielder. However, assignments in the most advanced central midfield slot have been rare. Against Schalke, his new role yielded quick dividends: Guerreiro scored with a well-taken strike and set up Dortmund’s other goal, emerging as the standout performer in a fiercely contested derby—even though Dortmund shared the points at the final whistle.
The next fixture against FC Köln saw Marco Reus return from illness, yet Terzic persisted with Guerreiro as the creative central pivot. Reus was positioned on the wing, allowing the Portuguese international to orchestrate play through the middle. The result spoke volumes—Guerreiro registered a goal and two assists within the first half. His immediate impact in this unorthodox role highlights not only his technical prowess but also his football intelligence and adaptability.
Unlocking Guerreiro’s Unique Talents
Dortmund managers have long debated how best to utilize Guerreiro’s skills. Thomas Tuchel often deployed him in midfield, Lucien Favre trusted him as an inverted wing-back, and he’s consistently filled in as an attack-minded left-back. However, defensive responsibilities in wide areas sometimes exposed his limitations in pace and one-on-one defending—weaknesses less relevant in advanced midfield positions.
By moving Guerreiro into a central creative role, Terzic has minimized these defensive concerns. Here, Guerreiro capitalizes on his ability to find space, execute precise combinations, and link the midfield with the forwards. His tactical understanding ensures that he is always available for the ball, navigating between the lines, and enabling intricate one-touch play with teammates like Reus and, potentially, Brandt.
While Marco Reus offers sublime close-control and a natural feel in the final third, Guerreiro excels in vision and pass execution. His assertive playmaking consistently elevates the team’s attacking fluidity, making him a prime candidate to fill the “creative 10” role during intense moments in the Bundesliga title race.
Analysis of Guerreiro’s Impact: Derby Showcase and Tactical Balance
Against Schalke, Dortmund appeared anxious due to the absence of key creative influences, but Guerreiro stepped up as the driving force in attack. He expertly occupied spaces between the Schalke lines, received ambitious long passes, and made himself a constant outlet in midfield. His goal, stemming from an excellent run and finish, showcased his timing and composure in advanced areas.
Defensively, Guerreiro demonstrated energy and commitment, pressing high and supporting recovery efforts. This work rate mirrored that of Julian Brandt throughout the season, illustrating how Guerreiro has embraced new responsibilities even when playing outside his comfort zone.
A Tactical Masterclass Against Köln
With Reus back in the starting lineup, Terzic maintained Guerreiro as his creative mid. Guerreiro’s intelligent positioning enabled Dortmund’s defenders to spread play and break Köln’s pressing lines. He frequently dropped deep, helping his centre-backs create overloads and stretch the opposition, showcasing tactical acumen that allowed the team to calmly progress attacks.
Beyond his passing, Guerreiro’s goal against Köln was another demonstration of his technical ability—using the outside of his left foot to guide the ball away from the goalkeeper, a finish that required composure and finesse. Throughout the match, he adapted to the team’s shape, dropping back when needed, sliding wide to free up overlapping full-backs, and supporting pressing efforts high up the pitch.
Key Qualities That Make Guerreiro Shine in the 10 Role
Guerreiro’s effectiveness as a number 10 is underpinned by several core qualities:
– **Spatial Awareness:** He consistently finds and exploits gaps in the opposition’s midfield and defense.
– **Creative Passing:** His range and ingenuity in distribution enable rapid transitions and intricate combination play.
– **Intelligent Movement:** He tailors his runs based on his teammates’ positioning, seamlessly switching between deeper and more advanced roles.
– **Finishing Ability:** Guerreiro is a proven goal threat, capable of clinical finishes under pressure.
– **Work Rate and Versatility:** His willingness to press, recover possession, and fill multiple roles strengthens Dortmund’s tactical flexibility.
The Strategic Impact on Dortmund’s Midfield
Guerreiro’s shift into a central creative position coincides with a period of defensive stability for Dortmund, thanks to the emergence of new full-backs like Marius Wolf and Julian Ryerson. This has granted Terzic freedom to utilize Guerreiro’s attacking talent without sacrificing the team’s defensive solidity. The outcome is a more balanced, dynamic midfield that maximizes both defensive coverage and attacking ingenuity.
Future Prospects: Will Guerreiro Remain Dortmund’s Creative Engine?
With Guerreiro’s assist tally placing him near the top in the Bundesliga, it’s evident that the Portuguese international has been one of this season’s most productive playmakers. Whether he retains this central creative role once Brandt returns remains to be seen, but his recent performances underline the wisdom behind Terzic’s tactical switch.
Conclusion: Guerreiro Proves to Be Dortmund’s Secret Weapon in Attack
By entrusting Raphaël Guerreiro with the freedom of the number 10 position, Edin Terzic has unlocked a new dimension in Dortmund’s attack. Guerreiro’s blend of vision, technique, and tactical understanding has transformed him from an accomplished full-back into a midfield orchestrator capable of influencing high-stakes matches. Regardless of future lineups, his recent masterclasses have shown exactly why he is valued as one of the most versatile and intelligent footballers in the Bundesliga.
