Grading the transfers: Borussia Dortmund

#5 Sebastian Rode

Sebastian Rode has been a sturdy back-up in midfield for Dortmund this season

25-year old Sebastian Rode, who became a sensation at Eintracht Frankfurt and subsequently earned a move to Bayern Munich, failed to make an impact at the Bavarian club. This summer, he was the second player acquired by Dortmund from Bayern. Sebastian Rode was brought in primarily to fill in the void left by midfield maestro Ilkay Gundogan who joined Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The German has made 18 appearances so far this season already eclipsing his playing time last season with Bayern despite half of his appearances coming in the form of a substitute. He has a Whoscored.com rating of 6.50 and has generally done a good job whenever called upon.

However, he is very likely to remain just as an efficient back-up with better options available for Tuchel in midfield and must improve his game if he needs to earn a starting spot.

Grade – B, a solid back-up

(Video Courtesy: SR Footballers YouTube Channel)