Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac deployed the strike partnership of Serhou Guirassy and Fabio Silva from the start for the first time in the Bundesliga during the 3-0 home win over SC Paderborn 07. The pair demonstrated an immediate understanding, with Guirassy assisting Silva for the opening goal in the 5th minute.
This tactical shift was a key topic in the latest Bundesliga Update podcast. Presenter Anne Hilt was impressed by the new attacking setup. "I found it fascinating to see Guirassy as a provider," Hilt said. Her co-host Jens Walbrodt added: "In the end he tried to provide even more assists and set up even more goals."
Felix Nmecha with a brace
While attention focused on the new frontline, Felix Nmecha capped the evening with a brace. The midfielder, who was substituted on for Joey Veerman in the 65th minute, scored twice in the closing stages. His first goal went in off the inside of the post, the second was a spectacular bicycle kick. This secured the clear 3-0 victory, moving Dortmund up to second place in the table with nine points from three games. The team has already scored eight goals this season.
Historical omens
The move to a strike partnership comes at an apt time. This Saturday (19 September) Dortmund travel to face VfB Stuttgart, the former club of Serhou Guirassy. The last meeting ended in a 2-0 away win for Dortmund in April. Stuttgart currently sit 14th. The current injury list featuring Filippo Mané, Giannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karetsas makes attacking alternatives all the more valuable.
Kovac had already used the Guirassy and Silva duo together from the 75th minute in Champions League matches. Their promotion to the starting eleven now signals this option could become a more permanent part of the tactical plan. For last season's 17-goal striker Guirassy, the partnership means a new role as a creative foil alongside the young Portuguese Silva.
The win against Paderborn was Borussia Dortmund's fifth consecutive competitive victory. The full schedule for the Black and Yellows, including the upcoming away match in Stuttgart, can be found on our fixtures page. Current squad information is available under squad.
