ANDthe fact that Borussia Dortmund are the team in the best form “after the World Cup”. -counts his nine official matches for victories- has several ‘fathers’ in addition to his ‘set-up’ in Marbella under the command of Edin Terzic: the definitive consecration of Jude Bellingham, the return of Haller, the highlight he is going through Raphael Guerreiro and Marco Reus and, above all, the football resurrection that Julian Brandt is experiencing (Bremen, 1996).
The former Bayer Leverkusen player, signed in 2019 for 25 million euros, remember the ‘prodigy’ who wanted half of Europe and that rang strong for Bayern. Brandt went to Qatar 2022 with Germany… but didn’t play a single minute. Now, after the World Cup, it seems different. And another.
The “19” of “BVB” have scored six goals – scored four and distributed two – since the Bundesliga restarted in January. He has scored in his four league games since the break and this season adds a total of nine targets across all competitions. He already has his best goalscoring record at hand: the 12 goals he scored for Leverkusen in 2017-18.
His latest goal was not trivial. Solitary goal by Brandt who anticipates the defense to finish with his back!!! a lateral free kick launched by Marco Reusgave Borussia Dortmund the victory (0-1) against Hoffenheim. Furthermore, it allowed them to remain leaders, except for Bayern’s victory over Unión Berlin (3-0)they tied on points at the top of the Bundesliga.
“Jule has grown a lot this season. He’s one of our most consistent players and looks very fit. He is, in every game, one of the players who runs the most”, says Terzic. A story that repeated itself against Hoffenheim. Brandt completed 90% of his 52 attempted passes and covered more kilometers (11.7) than none of his companions .
“Brandt is, together with Bellingham, our best player of the season to date. He is completing an outstanding season. He always wants the ball, he always wants the ball and what’s more, he scores goals,” confirms his teammate Nico Schlotterbeck to ‘Kicker’. “Tell me a better footballer in Europe at the moment,” suggests Marcel Reif, a journalist from “Bild”.
“He should be one of the best players in the German team. He looks more mature. I wish he would take off forever. There are few more talented players in the Bundesliga than him,” says former international Dietmar Hamann.
Brandt, 26, hadn’t fully curdled since he landed at Signal Iduna Park in 2019. Moreover, on several occasions the transferable sign had been hung up on him. His renewal – the contract expires in 2024 – was not a priority, but now it has become a priority issue, above the extensions of Reus and Hummels.
“He’s taken a step forward this season. Obviously I am aware of his contractual situation, but we are addressing the issue in a very positive and serene way.” says sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
The one who was a ‘prodigy’ of Leverkusen, for now, prefers to take it easy. You know that time is on your side. “I never had a career plan. Everything is open for me. I feel comfortable here, but who knows where the wind will take you. If all goes well and I end up renewing, I’d be happy.”
