How Borussia Dortmund Can Get the Best out of Marco Reus in 2015/16
Possibly the most coveted footballer in Germany, and arguably Europe, Marco Reus' name is rarely paired with Borussia Dortmund. The continent is usually so enamoured with his next destination, they forget to focus on what the 26-year-old can accomplish for his hometown club.
Signing a new contract in February, keeping himself attached with Dortmund until June 2019 (as documented by ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld), Reus removed a €25/£17.5 million buyout clause in his previous deal, which could have been triggered this summer.
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Before the new agreement was announced, the rumour mill was churning the usual suspects of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea as Reus' "likely" landing spots—as exemplified by the Daily Express' Joe Short—but those speculations were soon rarities.
The German international leaving the Westfalenstadion may happen eventually, but Dortmund's former youth product is seemingly unwilling, or unable, to depart from the club of his heart.
This devotion evaded the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, but neither had the visceral connection the hometown hero has with his birthplace.
Reus' loyalty, though, should not and cannot be taken lightly.
Simply put, the 2014/15 campaign was disastrous.
Finishing seventh in the Bundesliga, knocked out by Juventus in the Champions League round of 16 and losing the DFB Cup final to VfL Wolfsburg, Jurgen Klopp's last season was far below the accustom standard. This dip in performance was partially caused by Dortmund's talisman being injured for a cumulative 113 days.
In his first two seasons with Klopp, Reus played 93 matches in all competitions and was responsible for 81 goals. Last season, however, the German international played just 29 of 49 possible games—creating 17 goals for his club.
Finding individual success without one's team fairing likewise is uncommon, but the same can be said in reverse. Finding a winning club without at least one player playing a high level is just as challenging. Borussia Dortmund improving next season correlates directly with Reus' form.
The first mission for the 26-year-old is taking his daily multivitamin, drinking milk and maybe praying every now and again: Reus' health is the chief factor in his club's success, or lack thereof.
When playing to his potential, the attacking option is a top-10 footballer globally and gives Dortmund an extra gear. When injured or suspended, Reus' absence is conspicuous at best.
Missing the guidance of Klopp—under new management in former FSV Mainz 05 manager Thomas Tuchel—having their best footballer in a cast, brace or on crutches would be an unacceptable outcome.
It has been said: "the best ability is availability," that could not be more true for Reus and Borussia Dortmund next season. Without the German international consistently in their starting XI, the Westfalenstadion can expect another year of struggle.
On the brighter side, any potential hiccup would be taken in stride. The Daily Mail's Daniel Prescott reports, as taken from Sport Bild, Reus "has no regrets over extending his contract," even with Klopp's absence.
Dortmund's very own was quoted with saying: "I do not have any regrets. Why would I regret my decision to sign a new deal? I thought about it for a long time before I signed a new deal. I still feel exactly the same about it."
Getting the best out of BVB's talented forward consists of managing his body, controlling his minutes and keeping him a well-oiled machine.
In the event the 26-year-old can regularly feature next season, Borussia Dortmund have nothing to worry about; once on the pitch, Pele's "beautiful game" chooses its favourites—and Reus happens to be one of a select few.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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