I was a bit surprised that the coach started me in attack- Achraf Hakimi
(Courtesy : TW/@BVBBuzz)
The 20-year-old defender started on the left-wing of Dortmund attack and scored a brace split in either half.
Achraf Hakimi has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s best full-backs since joining Dortmund on loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid at the start of last season. As comfortable at right-back as he is on the left, Hakimi has quickly become an established player in Lucien Favre's first-team squad. However, in the Czech capital on Tuesday night he started in an unfamiliar position at left wing, but scored both goals as Dortmund took all three points from their second Group F game.
[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]"I was a bit surprised that the coach started me in such an attacking position," Hakimi told reporters after the game. "I know I can play there, and I'm just happy that I could help the team to victory."
Achraf Hakimi started in the attacking role alongside Reus and Jadon Sancho, behind Julian Brandt who was leading the line in the absence of Spaniard Paco Alcacer.
The Madrid-born Morocco international scored a stunning opener just after the half-time when he latched onto a through ball from Brandt before cutting inside and through as many as four Slavia defenders and finding the top corner with his left foot.
His and Dortmund's second was another showcase of Hakimi's ridiculous speed as he stretched his legs down the left wing and away from the host's defence before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar. To say Reus was impressed is an understatement.
"He's incredibly fast. He played sensationally, that first goal was really outstanding," the BVB captain said after the win. "From that point of view, he's always a weapon. The coach surprised us today but we know that Achraf is very, very important for us and that he can play in several different positions."
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]It adds yet another string to Hakimi' bow, which could prove useful if Alcacer remains out for Dortmund's trip to Freiburg this coming Saturday. The club's top scorer in the Bundesliga this season would be a miss, but Hakimi’s new-found role could help soften the blow.
Latest News
- Olympiacos vs Aston Villa Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Atalanta vs Marseille Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Leverkusen vs Roma Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Live streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to watch UCL
- TNT & Sky Sports planning to bring Wayne Rooney as 'top pundit' for upcoming Euro 2024
Trending Articles
- Akash Mishra sidelined with long-term ACL injury
- ISL: Tiri in talks to extend contract at Mumbai City
- Coaches who made it to ISL final in their debut season
- Coach Habas helped us believe in ourselves, says Mohun Bagan forward Dimitri Petratos
- The vision of the academy is to identify young talented footballers, says U-19 RFYC asst. coach Saksham Kakkar
Editor Picks
- A-League star Jamie Maclaren eyes new challenge: Report
- Mohun Bagan achieve record attendance in ISL 2023-24 season
- Mumbai City FC players headline ISL 2023-24 team of the tournament
- Igor Stimac announces second list of '15' probables for Bhubaneswar camp
- Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi: Who has scored more goals in Champions League semi-final stage?