Despite only being 20 years-old, Dan-Axel Zagadou has been one of the key components in Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga consistency this year. Admittedly, his emergence was not one that was brought about immediately. For the first 12 matches of the season, a quick analysis shows that Dortmund lined up with four defenders at the back, usually in a 4-2-3-1. During this time, Dortmund were only able to win five of the 12 matches, putting immense pressure on their manager, Lucien Favre. On the 30th of November, Lucien Favre switched his tactics to include playing with three defenders in the back. Consequently, Zagadou, when healthy, has started every single one of those matches.
His role as the left centre-back in the back three has helped solidify Borussia Dortmund’s defence. He has become one of the most consistent starters for Favre, helping guide Dortmund up the table and into second place, four points behind Bayern Munich. This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Dan-Axel Zagadou’s contribution to Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga season, accounting for both his defensive solidity and his ability to contribute when Dortmund are in possession.
Defensive positioning
Obviously, as a defender, the most important thing that Zagadou contributes to on a consistent basis is Dortmund’s defensive efforts. While his large frame (he stands at 1,96m) allows Zagadou to win aerial duels at a 66.5% rate over his career, his positioning in regards to the back three, or, when Dortmund are more compact, the back five, help make him so effective as a defender. Typically, Zagadou plays on the left side of the back three, with Mats Hummels in the centre and Manuel Akanji on the right side. With this trio, the scenario below often comes into play, especially when teams are attacking quickly, not allowing Dortmund to set up in their defensive 5-2-3 shape.
In the image, Hummels stepped up to provide pressure on the man on the ball. As he did Zagadou and Akanji are tasked with two things: mark their individual attackers while simultaneously holding their shape, so that they do not allow Hertha’s players to be played into an onside position. Zagadou was executing both of these responsibilities while also maintaining his concentration on the man in possession, who ultimately played the ball to the man Zagadou was marking, which resulted in a loss of possession for Berlin. While relatively simple, his ability to work within his defensive unit is essential to Zagadou gaining time on the pitch, so it’s important to highlight.
Similarly, Zagadou can also track down individual players and defend on his own. Against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Zagadou was targeted with long balls over the top multiple times.
