Sebastian Kehl demanded more offensive power from Donyell Malen. Meanwhile, the sports director of Borussia Dortmund is asking for a little patience with Karim Adeyemi.
“We didn’t see Donny’s best year last season. We’re hoping for a step up from him, especially in terms of his goals and assists,” Kehl said table football and thus increased the pressure.
In his most recent appearances, Malen has already “made a much more mature, stable and fresh impression”, Kehl explained: “With his quality in one-on-ones, especially in tight spaces, Donny gives us an element that we already had in the past year after Jadon Sancho’s departure.”
23-year-old Malen joined BVB from PSV Eindhoven in 2021. The Dutch attacker, who has already missed five games this season due to a torn muscle fibre, has one goal and one assist in six competitive games this season. Last season, Malen scored nine goals in 38 competitive games and provided six more assists.
Kehl: Will “have a lot of fun” with Adeyemi
Karim Adeyemi, who came to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer, was also struggling with a foot injury at the start of the season. “Karim didn’t have an easy start with us due to his long injury break,” said Kehl. “We definitely wanted to add his runs behind the last line to our game. He can also be a weapon in moments of transition.”
BVB will “still have a lot of fun” with the 20-year-old offensive player, Kehl emphasized: “But we knew that he needed a little time.”
Adeyemi has played six competitive games for Dortmund and scored one goal.
