Outisde90’s David Jordan casts an eye over five Monchengladbach talents which will not only re-shape the squad, but hopefully also take the Foals to the next level of Bundesliga success.
Josip Drmic
The young Swiss striker signed from Bayer Leverkusen this window, and has a point to prove after being deemed as second choice all season at his old club. His pace and movement, combined with his prior experience have been used in a pressing system, meaning that he has all the tools he needs to succeed at his new home.
Under the tutelage of fellow Swiss Lucien Favre, Drmic should thrive, with a number of players behind him all capable of great service. Although he may need time to settle into a more prevalent role in the side, fans should look forward to seeing his bustling forward play with skilled dribbling and a ruthless finishing touch.
Andre Hahn
The young winger was called up to Joachim Low’s provisional Brazil 2014 squad at the end of 2013-14, and continued to show why with an impressive season for Monchengladbach. In 15 starts and eight substitute appearances in the league, the German midfielder scored three times and created two other goals – impressive in a system that relies very lightly on crosses and goals scored from them.
With a new striker in front of him, Hahn will be yet another supply line to Josip Drmic, and will play a key role in the settling in of the hitman. If he can keep his performances up, expect a strong season from the 24-year-old, who’s defensive work from the wing is also regarded as one of his strengths, a real team-based aspect.
Thorgan Hazard
After impressing during his loan spell with the Foals, the younger brother of Chelsea’s superstar Eden made his move permanent during the past season, tying him to Borussia Park until 2020. The Belgian starlet has pace and skill in no short supply, and will be ready to terrorise defences once more this coming campaign. Hazard was used primarily as a substitute in 2014-15, only managing to crack the starting lineup seven times in the league.
At the front of his mind will be convincing manager Lucien Favre that he belongs in the starting XI, but will need to increase his production rate for that to happen. Keep an eye out for Hazard on the left of Favre’s setup, or even dropping in behind the striker on occasion, looking to supply Drmic. Chelsea kept a buy-back clause in the agreement with Gladbach, and it may well turn out to be a very shrewd decision.
Lars Stindl
Likely brought in to replace the departing Cristoph Kramer, Stindl’s prowess in central-midfield will almost certainly see him partnered up with youngster Granit Xhaka in the middle of Favre’ setup. Still only 26, the former Hannover captain will provide a calming influence on the hot-headed young Swiss, and create a steady bond in the middle of the park. A metronome passer at Hannover and creater of plenty of goals, Stindl’s role here will be similar, looking to release the side’s quick forwards on the counter-attack, rather than been a hold-up player.
An exciting signing who is contracted on until 2020, Monchengladbach fans have plenty to look forward too, beginning this season.
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Granit Xhaka
Still only 22, Swiss midfielder Xhaka’s stock has been steadily rising after a disappointing beginning to his career at Borussia Park. Early on, the youngster had trouble with his team mates, but has since morphed into one of the most important members of Lucien Favre’s setup. A defensive-midfield stalwart, Xhaka had some of the best stats in the league last season for passing and ball use.
As mentioned above, his link-up in midfield with new signing Stindl will be key, and Xhaka will hope to form a relationship similar to that which he had with young German Cristoph Kramer during last season. Keep an eye out for him not only domestically, but also making waves in Europe and for the Swiss national team.
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