While Syrian born Mahmoud Dahoud was reluctant to talk about his heritage in a recent interview, and understandably so given the sensitivity of the subject, the budding midfield maestro spoke about the involvement of football in his childhood. "In my neighbourhood, there were many children. We had nothing to do, so all the time we played football for hours. Sometimes even six hours at a time."
His devotion to the sport and raw ability saw the youngster earmarked as a potential star at an early age and the Borussia Mönchengladbach player has emerged as one of the league's brightest prospects in his first full season in the top flight. Making his way through the youth ranks, Dahoud spent a lot of time developing under youth coaches Marc Trostel and Thomas Flath. "(They've) taught me a lot, possession, control, play-making", as well as a key attribute of his, positional awareness, which was also drilled into his game at a young age.
Playing a significant part in Dahoud's progression, the teachings of former boss Lucien Favre should also not be overlooked. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Favre inculcated the teenager with his style of play for over 3 years. "He built me up, carefully introduced (me to the first team). He explained to me after training, the small details of my game which I needed to improve".
Dahoud made his first significant impression during a pre-season friendly against Bayern in 2013, and though the Bundesliga champions emerged victorious, Dahoud showed his class on the ball and flaunted his talent amongst some of the best footballers in the country.
A Zinedine Zidane-esque pirouette around Ribery certainly got fans of Die Borussen’s taste buds tingling in anticipation. Coincidentally, Dahoud announced the Madrid manager was his idol growing up, "because of his presence. He had a special something. He played a part in developing modern football." It seemed an eventuality that Dahoud would even start to draw comparisons with the majestic legend, with his style of play and composure on the ball, not to mention his aptly entitled instagram account name 'Mo8 Dahoud Zidane'.
Just as Dahoud was starting to make waves with the first team, injury struck, which postponed his transition. He would have to go on to wait till early this season to make his first league start. Although Favre was first to give him his chance, it was under new coach Andre Schubert in which he cemented his place in the first team.
The midfielder has since been instrumental at the heart of Schubert’s Gladbach side, even contributing towards 11 league goals, an impressive feat for a player of his age and position. No central midfielder aged 21 or under has matched these figures in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
Dahoud's midfield pivot with Granit Xhaka has been highly commended in Germany, among the best performing pairings in the league this season. The two have built an intuitive understanding, with the Swiss international usually the deeper of the two, handling the majority of the dirty work and Dahoud given slightly more freedom to express himself.
On his midfield partnership, Dahoud said, "Our position is so important. If we do not work, then everything wobbles. We are the heart of the team, we have to defensively close the gaps, to be narrow, move the balls quickly or play at the top. It is not so easy, at any time to orient yourself quickly and make the right decision."
Xhaka has won an average of 2.5 tackles per game, as well as 2.8 interceptions per game, whilst Dahoud has averaged 2.1 and 1.6 respectively.
Dahoud's major flaw in his game is somewhat unconventional. The central midfielder is often seen running himself ragged during the match, hurrying and pestering opponents. There’s certainly no gearbox in Dahoud's mind, everything appears to be played at full throttle, with full intensity and passion throughout.
"Mo's capable of running 12.5 to 13.5 kilometres per game," Schubert told Germany's leading sport magazine kicker. "He's got a real engine and is a willing runner, but he has to be more efficient and learn to ease off at times and also recognise that he doesn’t always have to run. That'll come with experience. His teammates will guide him as well.”
His youthful exuberance has meant only Hertha’s Vladimir Darida has covered more ground than the Syrian in the league in the Hinrunde, so it’s no surprise the agile player has been substituted off more often than any other player this season (21). Dahoud explained, "I always have to be on the move. If I stop, I feel like I'm out of the game and need to get in it again. That's why I always keep moving, because the game constantly moves and the positions change every second."
The 20-year-old is not used to the stardom and fame he has gained this season, and has found it difficult to digest. In a recent match, Dahoud was given the responsibility to lead the celebratory song to 5,000 away fans at full time. "Doing something like that in front of so many people is totally new to me," he said. "I'd rather leave that to others!”
Dahoud used to visit Leverkusen’s training ground as a kid with his brother and father, peering at icons such as Micheal Ballack, but it’s an altogether different story now, as kids look towards their new star at Borussia Park. It's an experience Dahoud is still trying to get his head around.
Given his form, its no surprise Dahoud has attracted attention from Europe’s elite. Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been heavily linked with the midfielder in recent days. Klopp is widely acclaimed for his ability to convert up and coming talents to world-class players and Dahoud may be the ideal candidate to retain his reputation. Hailed as the “Gladbacher Gündoğan” by local press, Klopp may see Dahoud as a player in the similar mould to his former midfield conductor at Dortmund, with Liverpool hoping to add a stability they’ve lacked this season, although his physicality may come under question.
Sporting director Max Eberl has labelled the youngster 'unsellable', but he may yet change his tone. After holding a similar stance with regards to Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder may now be allowed to leave at the right price.
With Dahoud no stranger to a wonder goal or an audacious skill here and there, the Germany under-21 international is only set to enhance his reputation from now until the end of the season, potentially making Champions League qualification a must if the Borussian side wish to keep hold of their midfield diamond.
Will Dahoud be a Gladbach player next season and if not where will he end up? Let us know in the comments below
btw it is called "Hinrunde", not Hindrunde".. maybe it's better just to say "first half of the season". and there is no Mr. "plaffenhardt", just a "Plattenhardt" ;-)
He is a player like Gundogan. He will be a great player.
hmmm interesting new perspective added he runs alot never that. Anyways anyone who follows bundesliga clearly knows this kid is a star. Would have liked to see articles on unknown gem in bundesliga e.g . mitchell weiser and marvin plaffenhardt contribution to Hertha Berlina etc But i'm really glad this came up it is been a while since we had an article as Phil Boney would have said it "from the league of world champions".