Hansi Flick said Nico Schlotterbeck was so good with the ball he could play midfield.
The episode opens with host Bruno Alemany introducing PlayFootball as an international football podcast. He begins by recounting a quote from former Germany coach Hansi Flick, who said Schlotterbeck was so good with the ball he could play midfield. Alemany notes this was before the 2022 World Cup, when Schlotterbeck was at Freiburg and moving to Dortmund. He states he hasn't seen Schlotterbeck play in midfield positionally, but emphasizes the defender does many midfielder things. The analysis shifts to Schlotterbeck's current role under Dortmund coach Nico Kovac, who has given him the team's keys since his knee injury return. Practically all Dortmund attacks now go through Schlotterbeck's left foot, with him deciding the tempo, progression lane, and short or long play. He constantly orders teammates positionally. Alemany references Schlotterbeck's recent match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, comparing his play to compatriot Toni Kroos. Like Kroos, Schlotterbeck opens wide to the left flank, exploiting modern pressures that focus on closing the central corridor. This allows him to receive comfortably and initiate play. The tactical plan against Gladbach was clear: the ball should always go through Schlotterbeck, with a variant opening to Pascal Kroos on the right. This created an option for diagonal passes from Schlotterbeck to Kroos, leading to Dortmund's first goal. Alemany acknowledges other defenders have done midfielder-like things, but says Schlotterbeck's case is exaggerated. Due to his strong striking, Kovac even puts him on corner kicks, where he provided assists last season. Additionally, Schlotterbeck enjoys defending, being aggressive, anticipatory, and fast in recovery. Alemany appreciates that less wealthy clubs can retain such players, but notes Schlotterbeck has Champions League-favorite level quality, while Dortmund currently may not. Schlotterbeck's contract expires in 2027, and he hasn't renewed, with links to Bayern, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. Dortmund faces a strategic decision on whether to sell in 2026 or risk him leaving free in 2027. The episode then transitions to a preview of other topics, mentioning Miguel Ruiz will cover the main story, Morocco's Africa Cup win with a Brahim Díaz goal, Manchester City's victory highlighted by Ryan Cherky, a review of European leagues, and an audio from Paquillo Mariscal on Thiago Silva's return to European football.
