Dortmund star hails substitutes impact in Paderborn victory

Borussia Dortmund's ability to change games from the bench is second to none. Under Niko Kovac's tutelage, it has become one of their defining traits.

We got to see the latest episode of substitutes coming off the bench to make difference in their Bundesliga clash with Paderborn on Saturday.

With the BVB leading just 1-0 and their visitors threatening in phases, the match wasn't quite sewn up yet and it felt like an equalizer was just around the corner.

Kovac then pulls out his trump card again, and rolls the dice with three main changes: Felix Nmecha, Maximilian Beier and Marcel Sabitzer.

All three players then combined to score two more goals late on that consolidated Dortmund's grip on the match and ended any hope of Paderborn clawing their way back into it.

Nmecha, who scored in the 80th and 89th minute to gloss over the scoreline, highlighted the importance of rotation in a squad packed with talented players.

Speaking to the press after the match, he said:

Yes, I think so. In a season like this, with all the competitions, we all have to be ready — for rotation in the team and for everyone to get their chance and show their qualities. Today, it was my turn.

Nmecha doubled BVB's advantage with a confident strike off Maximilian Beier's pass before lunging into the air for an audacious bicycle kick from a Marcel Sabitzer cross.

With that, Dortmund's substitutes have accounted for six goals this season already, including two assists as the side continues to demonstrate their bench strength.

The midfielder further revealed that while it's not a good feeling to start on the bench, he's trusted enough by the manager to sub him in eventually.

Of course, it’s not always the most pleasant thing to start out on the bench. But I understand the rotation and still feel the coach’s trust. I think the other players feel the same way.

Last season too, Dortmund were bailed out by substitutes quite often. In fact, only Bayern Munich subs had contributed more goals (20) off the bench in the Bundesliga than them (19) last season.

Credit also goes to Niko Kovac, for making the right kind of changes to display exceptional tactical astuteness that's seeing him climb up the ladder of best managers in the business right now.

Dortmund are currently on a five-game winning run in all competition, which includes three in three in the league for their best start since 2015-16 season.