Speaking ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s game against Hertha Berlin, Edin Terzic stated that Donyell Malen could replace Youssoufa Moukoko, who is sidelined for the foreseeable.
“He hasn’t played that much in the last few games,” said Terzic. “We decided to give one or the other a chance and they’re doing well but he really puts his foot down in training and we have a new situation up front due to Youssoufa Moukoko’s injury.
“Donyell is also able to play there and maybe that’s the player we’re missing, who runs from deep more quickly. If we need him, he’ll give everything to work on playing minutes.”
Malen has played just 19 minutes over the last three Bundesliga games, and was an unused substitute against Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen. Terzic appears to favour bringing on Jamie Bynoe-Gittens ahead of the Dutchman.
However, with Moukoko out for a reported six months, Malen may get an opportunity up front, providing competition for Sébastien Haller.
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Malen has struggled since his €30m transfer from PSV in July 2021. The 24-year-old has scored 10 and created nine in 58 games across all competitions.
Also in his pre-match press conference, Terzic praised the self-confidence of his players after maintaining their 100 percent record in 2023 following a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund host Hertha Berlin on Sunday 19. Die Schwarzgelben are currently three points behind leaders Bayern Munich, who play Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday afternoon.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
