Ramy Bensebaini back in Dortmund lineup as a left back

Ramy Bensebaini finally returned to Borussia Dortmund’s starting eleven in the Champions League after more than a month out of the lineup due to back problems.

In recent weeks, the Algerian defender had been limited to two very short substitute appearances, losing his place in the back three to young Argentine talent Anselmino, while Schlotterbeck shifted across to the left stopper role.​

Against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, Bensebaini was restored to the side but this time as a traditional left back, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 home draw. Used wide rather than in a back three, he delivered a solid overall performance despite the team’s frustration at dropping points in front of their own fans.​

Bensebaini was active along his flank, making several forward runs and finishing the match with an 86% pass completion rate, reflecting his composure on the ball. He did not overlap relentlessly but also was rarely beaten defensively, even if Dortmund’s defensive marking on the two goals conceded left something to be desired collectively.