Jadon Sancho played a pivotal role in Borussia Dortmund’s triumph with a 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen during their recent away fixture on Saturday.
The English midfielder has encountered challenges during his tenure in Germany, initially exhibiting promise with two assists in his first two Bundesliga matches. However, he has struggled to replicate his initial impact, resulting in diminished effectiveness for Dortmund, who now lag 20 points behind the league leaders, Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite enduring 39 minutes of frustration marked by careless possession and visible expressions of dissatisfaction with his performance, Sancho eventually seized a decisive moment against Werder. Notably, he executed a remarkable goal reminiscent of his stellar performances in 2020, evading defenders with skill and pace before delicately placing the ball into the corner of the net.
Post-match interviews conducted by The Athletic with Dortmund supporters revealed a sentiment of longing for Sancho’s presence, with one fan expressing that his departure had left a significant void, despite subsequent losses of other key players like Bellingham and Haaland. Sancho’s ball retention issues persisted throughout the game, with 12 instances of dispossession and a completion rate of two out of five dribble attempts.
Additionally, Sancho was called upon to contribute defensively following Marcel Sabitzer’s dismissal in first-half stoppage time, with Dortmund leading 2-0. Although Bremen managed to score a consolation goal in the 70th minute, Dortmund maintained their lead for the win. Sancho demonstrated defensive involvement by winning three of six ground duels, executing one clearance, and making a tackle.
Despite imperfections in his performance, this match could serve as a turning point for Sancho. His forward drives and astute passing exhibited glimpses of his undeniable talent, which was inconsistently showcased during his tenure at Manchester United. Dortmund coach Edin Terzic remains confident in Sancho’s resurgence and attributes his initial struggles in Germany to Manchester United’s influence.
As is customary for Sancho, consistent performance will be essential, particularly in Dortmund’s upcoming crucial second-leg encounter against PSV Eindhoven, where they are tied 1-1. A pivotal role in securing Dortmund’s progression to the Champions League quarter-finals would undoubtedly bolster Sancho’s confidence.
Describing his return to Dortmund as “like coming home,” Sancho’s familiarity with the club’s environment suggests that consistent performance may be within reach, particularly in the context of the north-western region of Germany.