Following the news of Nico Schlotterbeck's injury, Borussia Dortmund must decide whether they look to find cover for the German international or not, with experience being considered.
Is This A Deal Borussia Dortmund Should Proceed With, Following Nico Schlotterbeck's Injury?
With Borussia Dortmund confirming that Nico Schlotterbeck has suffered a ligament injury in his left ankle, it has now got people talking about whether or not the club should change their transfer plans and go out into the market, trying to find cover for their recently injured star central defender.
This has led to reports emerging linking Borussia Dortmund with some central defenders, but one name that has been reported would make a lot of sense.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Kevin SousaWho Is Marc-Oliver Kempf?
Marc-Oliver Kempf is a name that has been touted as a potential short-term replacement for Nico Schlotterbeck.
The German defender is currently playing in Italy for the recent Champions League Qualifiers, Como 1907. Marc-Oliver Kempf was ever-present in the Como 1907 side, starting 27 league matches, while playing in a total of 34 league games out of 38.
Furthermore, before his move to Italy, the defender spent the entirety of his career in German football, playing for the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt, Freiburg, VfB Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin, showing that he has established experience in German football, spending the majority of his time in the Bundesliga.
While yes, the fact that he spent the last year in Bundesliga 2 may fill some with a lack of confidence in the defender's ability, his season over in the Italian top flight should put any of those worries at ease.
What Has Been Reported?
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, it has been stated that Marc-Oliver Kempf is of “great interest” to Borussia Dortmund. Now, his report is more indicating a replacement for Nico Schlotterbeck, due to Borussia Dortmund's German defender being heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer, amid links to Real Madrid, among others, before he suffered his injury while playing for the German national team.
However, there could be a scenario now that Borussia Dortmund brings in Marc-Oliver Kempf as short-term cover for Nico Schlotterbeck, rather than a replacement.
Marc-Oliver Kempf vs Nico Schlotterbeck
Also, when comparing Nico Schlotterbeck to Marc-Oliver Kempf, despite Nico Schlotterbeck's bigger stature, Marc-Oliver Kempf in the campaign just gone had a higher headed clearances per 90 than Nico Schlotterbeck, showing that he is more than capable aerially, also shown by his three headed goals this season for Como 1907.
REUTERS/Phil NobleAnd when you remember that this is not necessarily a long-term replacement for Nico Schlotterbeck, with Marc-Oliver Kempf being 31 years old, he could still provide Borussia Dortmund with adequate cover for the injured Nico Schlotterbeck, with someone who will not need a settling-in period because he knows the league very well.
Author's Verdict
As short-term cover, Borussia Dortmund could do a lot worse than trying to sign Marc-Oliver Kempf.
Depending on the fees and wages involved, which I would imagine wouldn't be too high for a 31-year-old defender, this could provide Borussia Dortmund with an experienced head in what would be a largely inexperienced backline, especially without Nico Schlotterbeck in it.
However, whether Marc-Oliver Kempf would be able to replace Nico Schlotterbeck in the medium to long term, should he leave the club in the next year or two, I would have my reservations over, and Borussia Dortmund probably do as well.
So, Marc-Oliver Kempf would be a practical signing for the here and now, but not the long-term solution should Nico Schlotterbeck depart the club.
