Match Preview: Dortmund Host Freiburg as Second Place Race Heats Up

20-year-old Swiss midfielder, Johan Manzambi, is having a break out season in the Black Forest. The defensive midfielder has proven himself to be the key man in Freiburg’s midfield on both sides of the ball. He’s responsible for shielding Freiburg’s back four at times but has garnered a reputation for his attacking output. He’s in the 96th percentile or successful dribbles, 95th for duels won, 95th for touches in the opposition box, and 80th for goals scored amongst defensive midfielders. It is no surprise that Manzambi has been linked with Europe’s best teams and most Bundesliga outlets are linking him to Bayern Munich as Leon Goretzka’s replacement. Ultimately, I’m really excited for the Manzambi-Jobe duel in midfield as the two 20-year-olds try to best one another.

Nothing new for my anticipated lineup this week. Gregor Kobel will be back in goal with Bensebaini replacing an injured Niklas Sule in the defensive line. Schlotterbeck and Anton will return and both be looking to stake their claims to the German National team. Daniel Svensson will play again, because he plays every game, and Julian Ryerson will continue to hold his spot over Yan Couto. Bellingham and Sabitzer will start because the alternative is Salih Ozcan. I expect Julian Brandt to start over Carney Chukwuemeka after Chukwuemeka struggled to make the difference against Hoffenheim. Beier will play behind Serhou Guirassy who looks cleared to play despite a concussion earlier this week.