Nmecha-Veerman: Dortmund's New Duo Begins to Fire in the Bundesliga
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- Borussia Dortmund memulai Bundesliga 2026/27 dengan empat kemenangan beruntun, capaian terbaik sejak era Thomas Tuchel pada 2015/16.
- Kombinasi Felix Nmecha dan Joey Veerman di lini tengah mulai menunjukkan chemistry, terlihat saat kemenangan 1-0 atas VfB Stuttgart.
- Kedalaman skuad Dortmund di sektor tengah memberi pelatih Niko Kovač banyak opsi, namun duet ini berpotensi menjadi poros permainan jangka panjang.
Borussia Dortmund have made a perfect start to the 2026/27 Bundesliga season with four wins from four matches, and behind this impressive run, a new midfield partnership is beginning to attract attention: Felix Nmecha and Joey Veerman. This duo first started together when Dortmund defeated VfB Stuttgart 1-0 at the MHPArena, a result that not only maintained their perfect record but also provided a glimpse into the direction of Die Schwarzgelben's play.
This achievement of four consecutive wins is Dortmund's best start since the 2015/16 season under Thomas Tuchel. However, the path to this point has not been smooth. Veerman, a summer signing from PSV Eindhoven, had to start from the bench, while Nmecha briefly lost his place in the starting XI after two unconvincing initial appearances. Coach Niko Kovač had also highlighted Nmecha's condition, noting he had just returned from the World Cup and needed time to adapt.
That patience paid off. Nmecha came on as a substitute and scored two goals in a 3-0 victory over Paderborn on Matchday 3, marking his first Bundesliga brace and equalling his total goal tally from last season. This impressive performance, coupled with Veerman's display in the Champions League against Villarreal, convinced Kovač to start both players against Stuttgart.
In that match, Veerman repaid the coach's trust by winning 73 percent of his duels, making him one of Dortmund's best players in that aspect. His contribution shows why the combination with Nmecha could be the foundation of the team's play: Veerman offers neat ball distribution and relentless hard work, while Nmecha is known for his sharp attacking instincts. If both can maintain consistency, Dortmund has the potential to dominate the midfield in both phases of the game.
Kovač himself sees Veerman as a player similar to Nmecha. "Joey is a type of player similar to Felix Nmecha: very secure on the ball, always asking for the ball," he said when Veerman joined. This similarity in character makes it easier for them to understand each other, especially in transitions and ball possession.
Veerman also expressed his respect for Nmecha. "From the first training session, I could see he was a brilliant player. We also talked a lot during training and in the dressing room. You can tell he's a good player, and I'm looking forward to many matches with him," he stated.
Although they have only played one match together, the impact is already noticeable. Dortmund appear more cohesive in midfield, with Veerman and Nmecha complementing each other. However, competition in the midfield remains fierce. Jobe Bellingham and Marcel Sabitzer are also ready to fill starting positions, giving Kovač the luxury of rotation. The Nmecha-Veerman combination also serves as an early signal to their teammates that a place in the starting XI is not guaranteed.
For football fans in Indonesia, this duo could be an interesting spectacle in European competitions, especially for those following Dortmund's development or potential young players. Dortmund's success in crafting their midfield also serves as a lesson on the importance of adaptation and patience in team building, especially after losing key players. Will Nmecha and Veerman be able to maintain their performance and lead Dortmund to compete at the top? Time will tell, but the early signs are very promising.
