Serhou Guirassy’s 95th-minute penalty during the away match against Club Brugge, although not critical to the outcome, marked a significant milestone for the striker as it was his inaugural goal for Borussia Dortmund and his first in the Champions League.
At 28, Guirassy’s journey to prominence is notable, especially compared to many of his teammates who had early accolades. His initial stint in the Bundesliga with FC Koln ended in relegation, and he struggled to make an impact in the second tier before returning to France at 23.
After experiencing relegation with Amiens, Guirassy’s fortunes changed when he joined Rennes and later Stuttgart, where his resurgence under Sebastian Hoeness revitalized his career. This Sunday, he will make a return to Stuttgart with Dortmund.
Guirassy’s reputation among Stuttgart supporters is well-established; last season, he emerged as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers, netting eight goals in just four games by this time last year. His scoring prowess played a pivotal role in sending Stuttgart to the Bundesliga’s second position, demonstrating his exceptional talent.
Had it not been for injury issues, Guirassy could have potentially contended for the European Golden Shoe. Now, with his return from injury, he is eager to contribute significantly to Dortmund’s ambitions, especially following the departure of Niclas Fullkrug.
Dortmund’s recent struggles highlighted the need for Guirassy’s efficient attacking presence. His comeback was felt immediately in their 4-2 victory over Heidenheim, showcasing his capability to enhance team performance.
Head coach Nuri Sahin is modifying the team’s style and looks to Guirassy as a critical figure in attack, especially after issues arose in prior matches. Guirassy’s dynamic presence has already improved the synergy among his teammates, amplifying the offensive efforts.
Former Stuttgart player Cacau praised Guirassy as a complete striker, emphasizing his scoring ability from headers to long-range shots, and his knack for assisting teammates. Cacau noted that such performance is not common, illustrating Guirassy’s unique skill set.
This late bloomer, a valued signing at £15m, possesses the potential to not only score but also facilitate play for Dortmund’s offense. Team members have taken notice of his determination to return quickly and lead on the pitch.
While there are high expectations as he transitions to Dortmund, Cacau acknowledged the pressure that accompanies the move. Despite the challenges, Guirassy’s early impact gives fans hope for the future.
The challenge now is to see if Guirassy can sustain his momentum in this new environment, which comes with heightened expectations and the scrutiny that accompanies playing for Dortmund. The high-stakes test continues this Sunday in Stuttgart.
Catch Borussia Dortmund facing VfB Stuttgart this Sunday, kicking off at 4:30 PM.
