Borussia Mönchengladbach's Coach Eugen Polanski faces a big midfield puzzle. Jens Castrop must miss at least a month due to a shoulder injury. Castrop was planned as a dynamic replacement for Rocco Reitz, who transferred to Leipzig. Polanski must now quickly find a replacement to avoid jeopardizing the season.
The most likely option is Enzo Leopold. The professional, who transferred to the Lower Rhine without a transfer fee from Hannover, could form a duo with Philipp Sander on the double six. Leopold is known for his secure passing game and high game intelligence, but there is a but: If the team loses the ball, it could lack tempo in the quick counter-attack with this duo.
Another option that promises significantly more speed is Zento Uno. The Japanese, who was brought in by Shimizu S-Pulse, is extremely motivated and gives himself confidently: "I'm burning to show what I can do. My strengths are duels and running, I'm a classic box-to-box player."
Alternatively, Polanski could rely on pure routine and move either Kevin Stöger or Florian Neuhaus to the six. Both players have already played there, but they clearly prefer the role of playmaker on the ten. For the two veterans, it would therefore likely be a place on the bench.
Or does the coach play the brave "youth forsch" card? Matthieu Nguefack has impressed in the training camp and is a serious option. Also Fritz Fleck and Edin Biber receive a lot of praise from the coach.
Polanski emphasizes: "The young players are doing great, they're not here to fill the squad, but because they have quality."
Borussia Mönchengladbach currently occupy 12th place in the Bundesliga table. The Foals have scored 42 goals and conceded 53 in the new season. They are 51 points behind the league leaders Bayern München.
