Mahmoud Dahoud’s Journey: From Benchwarmer to Key Player at Borussia Dortmund
Since his high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund in 2017, Mahmoud Dahoud’s career at the club has experienced its share of challenges. Despite arriving with a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s top midfield prospects and a €12 million price tag, Dahoud initially struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup. Dortmund’s midfield at the time was packed with established names like Axel Witsel, Thomas Delaney, Julian Weigl, and Emre Can, leaving the technically gifted Dahoud often overlooked.
Early Struggles and Tactical Misalignment
Dahoud’s early seasons in Dortmund were characterized by sporadic appearances and a lack of a defined role. Under then-coach Lucien Favre, the German international frequently found himself substituted in late during matches, often in the attacking midfield spot behind the striker— a position that did not align with his strengths. While his passing ability was clear, Dahoud was criticized for lacking the relentless energy and defensive toughness expected of Dortmund’s midfielders at the time. Even his off-field attempts to stand out—like sporting a distinct mustache—failed to earn him regular minutes on the pitch.
The Turning Point: Coaching Change and New Opportunities
The 2020-21 season saw a shift in fortunes for Dahoud. Midway through the campaign, Lucien Favre was dismissed and succeeded by Edin Terzic, who brought a fresh perspective to the team’s selection. A combination of tactical reshuffling and unforeseen injuries to Axel Witsel (Achilles injury) and Manuel Akanji (thigh issue)—which forced Emre Can into a defensive role—created new openings in midfield. Terzic recognized Dahoud’s potential and gave him a series of starts, allowing the midfielder to finally prove his worth in the heart of Dortmund’s squad.
Dahoud’s Impact in Dortmund’s Midfield
Since returning to regular action under Terzic, Dahoud has emerged as an essential figure in Dortmund’s midfield. Acting as the primary orchestrator, he provides structure and composure in possession, enabling dynamic players like Jude Bellingham to excel with their box-to-box running. Dahoud’s intelligence in movement and positional awareness has brought much-needed balance to the team, especially in a 4-3-3 formation.
While Dahoud may not be as physically imposing as Emre Can or Thomas Delaney, he compensates with solid defensive positioning and stays disciplined to avoid unnecessary fouls and bookings. His contribution can be summarized in two core aspects:
– Facilitating quick transitions and distributing the ball across the pitch with accuracy.
– Providing an effective screen in front of the defense, intercepting passes and stifling opposition attacks.
As a result, Dahoud’s calm presence has freed Bellingham and others to push forward, giving Dortmund a more fluid and versatile midfield dynamic.
Conclusion: Revival and Future Prospects
Mahmoud Dahoud’s story at Borussia Dortmund is one of perseverance and adaptation. From limited opportunities and playing out of position, he has established himself as a key component in the club’s midfield setup. With guidance from Edin Terzic and the evolving structure of Dortmund’s squad, Dahoud now stands as both a symbol of resilience and a player integral to the team’s present and future ambitions in the Bundesliga.
If you enjoyed this analysis, you may also be interested in articles exploring Ibrahima Konaté’s impact at Liverpool, an in-depth look at Germany’s 50+1 rule, and tactical profiles of Borussia Dortmund’s management.
