Raphael Guerreiro- Borussia Dortmund's flying wing-back
Date of birth/Age: Dec 22, 1993 (26)
Place of birth: Le Blanc-Mesnil
Citizenship: Portugal
Height: 1,70 m
Position: Left Midfield/Left back
Current international: Portugal
Raphael Guerreiro, Borussia Dortmund flying wing back has been in inspired form this season, a constant danger for opposition with his direct, intelligent running and his ability to find the correct pass but also solid defensively in a side that are deadly on the counter attack.
Guerreiro 2nd highest amount of touches with 93 only Akanji has more with 99 heavily involved in both attacking areas and defensive areas.
Again Guerreiro had the 2nd highest number of successful passes in this game with 71, Akanji had 92. That provides data confirming Dortmund play out from the CB, however what is interesting about the passing zone high cluster come inside own half this is showing he is always looking to pass and then run the channel.
As the areas suggest Guerreiro has the ball at feet in the final third of Dortmund own half but also shows his willingness to get higher up the majority of the game.
Defensively Guerreiro has the endurance to get up and down the pitch this is an essential attribute if playing as a wing back as he needs to not only offer width in attack but also provides extra cover at the back. If this 3-4-3 formation Dortmund use gets everyone doing their jobs and working up and down the pitch it gives the unique advantage of having 5 in attack and in defence a 5 also
Getting around on the cover, ideal distance to make interception
Again, getting back into shape fully aware of the potential danger out wide.
Knows exactly where opponent is and again distance is spot on to intercept or track a run.
But Guerrerio comes alive in the opponents half always ready to drive into empty space with or without the ball, this makes opponents worried about pushing forward too high as there is a constant threat of being stung on the break.
This Is the area that Guerrerio loves to exploit, plenty of space a simple pass into this area courses danger
Interchange passing and joining in with the attack creates an overload in Dortmund favour, Guerriero makes the most of this chance by scoring his first goal of the game with fantastic movement and great technical ability to finish the move with a goal.
Leaving Dortmund wing backs space to run into they will hurt any team in world football, this image shows the space Guerriero was given and he continued to exploit. With the Midfield of Dortmund breaking the Schalke line this created a 3 v 3 but also creates a problem for the highlighted player does he come out and deal with Guerriero of stay, This is exactly the problem Dortmund want to create in and around the box and did this time with devastating effect resulting in Guerriero's 2nd goal.
Great interplay and movement of and around the ball allows Guerriero to get in behind and finish the move with a goal.
Guerriero continues to impress on the return from lockdown and it will be interesting to see his performances for the remainder of the season.
