Lucien Favre’s return to the Bundesliga has been nothing short of a revelation.
His team are playing a dynamic, exciting and progressive style of football that has captured the imagination.
His appointment in time for the coming season meant that he had time and money to build his ideal squad.
A vital part of his 4-2-3-1 is the midfield pivot of Axel Witsel and Thomas Delaney.
It’s rare that Borussia Dortmund spend their money on players pushing 30, but Witsel was an exception.
Knowing the importance of transitions and tempo shifts, Favre required a player with certain attributes: strength, intelligence, and experience.
In the 29-year-old Belgian, this is exactly what he got.
Although catching fewer column inches than Jadon Sancho’s emergence and Marco Reus’ resurrection, Witsel has arguably been the key to his side’s success thus far.
In this tactical analysis of his first half-season at the club, I’ll look at the key aspects and statistics of Witsels play, looking at how it has facilitated Favre’s philosophy.
Key Transition Player In Favre’s Double-Pivot
Favre’s style has been dubbed “modern jazz” as opposed to Jurgen Klopp’s “heavy metal” style.
The name alludes to playing with freedom within confines, the rapid shifts in tempo and an overall degree of tightness. Witsel is crucial in each.
Shifting tempo with Borussia Dortmund usually entails a patient build-up from the back.
During this stage of play, Witsel and Delaney often combine with the centre-backs, allowing the full-backs to play a more advanced role, combining with the midfielders to open up space.
The double-pivot reacts instantaneously to various triggers, signifying the launch of an attacking move.
Witsel and Delaneys decisiveness makes them particularly dangerous.
They typically facil
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