B. Dortmund
Paris SG
There are still two matchdays left before the season reaches the halfway point, but the winter break is nevertheless a good time to take a comparative look at some statistics from the season. One thing can be said from a VfL point of view: when it comes to running in particular, Niko Kovac’s men boast strong numbers.
Runs: The Wolves have won their last four games and are unbeaten in eight, and have the chance to extend this good sequence in the new year. Only Bayern have managed more consecutive wins so far this term (six). VfL have also collected nine points (W2 D3) from losing positions, a figure bettered only by 1. FC Köln (12).
Playing time: Along with goalkeeper Koen Casteels, there’s another ever-present in the VfL squad in Micky van de Ven, who’s played every minute of the 15 Bundesliga matches this season. It’s an impressive record for the 21-year-old rising star, who was initially deployed as a left-back before nailing down a regular role in the centre of defence. Ridle Baku, Maximilian Arnold and Omar Marmoush have also featured in every league fixture.
