Title: Thioune's dilemma: Overabundance of talent in Fortuna Düsseldorf's midfield
Daniel Thioune, Fortuna Düsseldorf's coach, faces an unexpected challenge - a 'luxury problem.' After weeks of grappling with personnel issues due to injuries and a limited squad, Thioune now has an abundance of midfield options. Shinta Appelkamp's return from injury and the full health of the team have left Thioune with a selection conundrum - one that he relishes.
Shinta's fight for a starting spot
Appelkamp's comeback is a double-edged sword. The talented midfielder is back in full form, but the coach has the unenviable task of deciding who to relegate to the bench. After a spot in the B-team during training on Wednesday, it's unlikely that Appelkamp will start against Schalke.
Thioune is pleased but candid about his predicament, acknowledging that the pressure of choosing the best players can be daunting. He values every player as the team's engine, and his primary aim is to maximize playing time for his quality midfielders, even if it means inhabiting unconventional roles for some of them.
The thriving midfielders
Fortuna Düsseldorf's midfield issues have subsided, and now five players are vying for starting spots: Shinta, Isak Johannesson, Yannik Engelhardt, Marcel Sobottka, and Ao Tanaka. Each player has had their share of challenges this season, but they're all ready to contribute to the team now.
Engelhardt didn't initially meet the starting eleven requirements, while Johannesson joined late in the season. Sobottka's injury and Tanaka's poor form transformed the midfield scene, but now they've all regained their form. This synergy gives Thioune a chance to experiment with his midfield in the upcoming matches.
The potential wildcard: Sobottka
Sebastian Hochrainer's potential muscular problems could provide Thioune with an opportunity to modify his midfield roster. Jordy de Wijs, the vice-captain, is in danger of being ruled out, which could see him move to the backline, freeing up a midfield slot. Thioune, comforted by his abundance of midfield options, can afford to make such a change without adversely affecting his team's midfield.
Embracing the luxury problem
Thioune is excited about this challenge, a luxury problem that most managers would gladly accept. With this midfield wealth, he can rotate his players, maintain their fitness levels, and maximize their unique talents. This experimental approach will keep his team performing at top levels as they prepare for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.
In conclusion, Daniel Thioune's luxury problem presents an opportunity to strategize and optimize Fortuna Düsseldorf's midfield. He can adopt various tactics by experimenting with different lineups and players' roles, ensuring the squad remains balanced and motivated for the upcoming season.
