The Revival: Marvin Ducksch

 

In 2011, a hot prospect was emerging from Borussia Dortmund's U-19 academy. He showed the potential to become a good, clinical striker, and even broke into the club's first team 2 years later. However, it was nearly impossible for the young German to find regular game time amidst world-class finishers like Robert Lewandowski and Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang. Injuries hampered his development, and an unfortunate departure from the club ensued.

Marvin Ducksch. It seemed that his career at the highest level was already over. But was it?

Fast forward to 2023, and Ducksch is on the radar of several Bundesliga clubs, like Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach and Union Berlin. A return to Dortmund also remains a possibilty. He is back with a bang! 

Release clause: 7.5 million euros

Currently at Werder Bremen, Ducksch plays in a double striker system with German international Niklas Fullkrug. In total, they have bagged 28 goals and 10 assists at the club level this season, making them one of the most lethal duos in the league. 

Ducksch (left), with Fullkrug (right)

Dortmund:

The striker position isn't the topmost priority for 'Die Schwarzgelben' going into the summer transfer window, with Sebastian Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko capable of performing in that position. It seems likely though, that Dortmund will be moving on from Anthony Modeste (who was brought in as an emergency signing when Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and has been lack lustrous ever since).

Ducksch would provide emergency squad depth in that department and give Terzic tactical flexibility, allowing him to experiment with double striker formations if needed. However, he would have little to no resale value, since he is already 29 years old, and there isn't a 100% guarantee that he will be able to replicate his performances at a higher level.

Ducksch loves his boyhood club (publicly stated). But there is no hiding from the fact that he is in the prime years of his career and would get lesser gametime at BVB (than currently, at Werder Bremen). Hence, it is a tough call to make for both parties.

Anthony Modeste

Leverkusen:

Xabi Alonso has been pivotal in turning Leverkusen's season around. To put things into perspective, they were 17th in the league table when he arrived, and now are back in the mix for European qualification. With the arrival of left back Alejandro Grimaldo, Xabi has sent out a clear message about the project he is building - further investments in the squad seem likely. However, three centre forwards are already at the club, and some exits may be on the cards if Ducksch were to arrive.

Moussa Diaby, Leverkusen's top scorer this season

Gladbach:

With Marcus Thuram likely to leave on a free transfer, Borussia Monchengladbach will be in dire need of a proper number 9 come summer. Marvin Ducksch would be a financially viable option for 'Die Fohlen'. Gladbach wouldn't be too much of a step up from Bremen (in the current scenario), so he would guarantee goals and, along with other additions, could potentially propel them back to European places in the Bundesliga next season. However, with the rest of the squad ageing too, it remains to be seen whether the club is going to invest in only a short term fix to their striker woes.

Union Berlin:

Union Berlin have been on a steady upward trajectory since being promoted to the First Division four years ago, and are strong contenders to qualify for the Champions League in the current calendar year. With European football on the horizon, investment in players like Ducksch could prove to be crucial, and take them to the next level. He would seamlessly fit in into Union Berlin's counter-attacking system, and, paired up with second-strikers like Sheraldo Becker, 'Die Eisernen' could become a force to reckon with.

Becker, after scoring against RB Leipzig

So that's about it. Hope that it was a good read, see you on my next post :)