When will BVB (finally) find Evanilson’s successor?
Since former skipper Stefan Reuter moved from right-back to defensive midfield BVB is looking for a successor. During Michael Skibbe’s reign even Lars Ricken played on this (unfamiliar) position. Then, with high expectations, much money was spent to bring in Brazilian player Evanilson. But since being at Strobelallee he lacks constancy and shows too many defensive deficits. Now a young Swiss, Philipp Degen, should be the solution for a long-term problem.The Swiss press as FC Basle’s supporters seem to have accepted that Philipp Degen will leave the club. At all after impressing in Champions League’s 02/03 season Basle got to know the other side of success and had to let go some of their key players. This shouldn’t happen to Philipp Degen – at least not without cashing in some transfer fee for an undisputed starter. So the club very early tried to work out a new deal and a contract till 2007 was in sight. But now, at latest with Borussia’s bid, a Bosman transfer seems likely. The player himself is quoted: “Not many Swiss players have the chance to join a club like Borussia Dortmund.” Also Michael Zorc gave a positive statement on this player. Surely a strong indication regarding Borussia’s policy not to comment on any transfer speculations.
During the last weeks some news about Degen were in the media. Even former Borussia idol Stephane Chapuisat – normally a shy guy – praised Philipp Degen and thinks he has a “bright future”. The 21-year old defender is known for massive attacking skills, but also some weak points at defence, when the ball is behind him. Some kind of parallelism to Evanilson, our current right-back. But Degen has still the future ahead, is young and has potential. Contrary to him Evanilson couldn’t prove over the years that he has worked on his blatant weaknesses. But also many supporters in Switzerland are of the opinion that a move to Bundesliga may come to early and he should instead stay some more years in the Swiss league. Whether he would make it immediately in Germany – nobody can tell. Still a transfer would be a big chance for him and seems – as on a free transfer – reasonable. For both, the player and the club.
About Evanilson, BVB’s only right-back, many discussion have been held and many statements have been made. Much criticism the Brazilian “big-smiler” had to cope with – and rightly! While even his often praised offensive skills vanished, his horrible defensive performances are still a real pain. Not only that his tactical mistakes are ripping BVB’s defence, also his mindless, “no touch”-style of play is enraging the fans more and more. Adding to that sometimes he seems to be mentally slow. His contract expires next summer, with an option for BVB to extend till 2007. Of course this would be for the same conditions like now, that have been set up before the “Kirch crisis” (sg.com: Till some years ago, Kirch’s TV empire pumped bucket loads of money into Bundesliga. Finally his company went bankrupt and German football lost much TV revenue). So it is obvious that the club won’t draw that option. Philipp Degen, as a Swiss U-21 national player, is not only a talent on the pitch, but also matching BVB’s new financial belt-tightening.
In loaned out player Juan Ramon Fernandez there is still another alternative. The Argentinean, having two strong feet and thus playing at River Plate on both defensive sides, is under contract with BVB until 2007. The loan deal with Buenos Aires expires at the end of 2004 and there are no signs yet that River want to keep him – surely due to financial terms. Even Michael Zorc stated that his return in winter is realistic. Adding to that River Plate bought Pablo Barzola, a promising U-20 national player, who could play on Fernandez’ position. Juan Ramon, who was known more for his life of the pitch and even refused to return from last year’s summer vacation in Argentina, has at least stabilised in Buenos Aires. Most of the time he starts and shows solid performances. Also Fernandez – like Evanilson or Degen – has his strengths in offence and is vulnerable in defence. As vulnerable as in private life to female contacts. At least that is what is the word in Argentina, where the 24-year old is known as having a very active life off the pitch. The question is whether this alternative, which has undoubted qualities on the pitch, is more of a chance or a risk for the club.
Contrary to Fernandez Philipp Degen seems to be good work by Borussia Dortmund’s scouting department – finally. He is a young, Bosman transfer player with bright prospects who will hopefully fill the gap that Stefan Reuter left.
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