Form
Gladbach lead the Bundesliga after Matchday 8 despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund last time out. The Foals have impressed so far under new coach Marco Rose, playing attractive attacking football with a highly talented team. Like Eintracht, they were involved in the Europa League on Thursday but their 1-1 draw at AS Roma left them bottom of Group J with two points.Tactics
When it comes to formation, Rose has been flexible with his side in his first few months in the Bundesliga, varying between 4-3-3, 4-3-2-1 or 4-2-3-1. In Breel Embolo, Marcus Thuram and Alassane Plea, the Foals possess a fearsome front three. Of course, that attacking power does not come at the expense of defensive stability, and this is where Denis Zakaria has flourished in a new role. As the sole holding midfielder, he hoovers up in front of the defence, and his strong tackling together with his tactical understanding mean he can safely be described as the heart of the Gladbach midfield.One to watch: Denis Zakaria
Good things come to those who wait, and that could certainly be said for Zakaria. The midfielder is now in his third year with Borussia but it appears that he’s evolved into a leader and a key player this season. The Switzerland international has not missed a single minute of action so far – and he’s impressed throughout. His new role as the sole holding midfielder in Rose’s system seems to suit him. “I can drive the game from the back, I have most of the pitch in front of me,” he recently told the Bild newspaper.He’s also taken on a prominent role for his country, despite being just 22 years of age. Zakaria has racked up 24 caps already for the ‘Nati’, including 90 minutes in their recent crucial EURO 2020 qualifier against Republic of Ireland.
