‘He can’t do it three times’ – Markus Babbel casts doubt on Felix Nmecha’s world-class credentials

Former Germany international Markus Babbel has questioned Felix Nmecha’s ability to deliver consistently at the highest level, despite the Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s match-winning performance against SV Elversberg.

Nmecha scored twice on Saturday to inspire Dortmund to a 2-1 victory over the newly promoted side, earning praise for his influential display as the Bundesliga title hopefuls strengthened their position in second place.

However, his impressive performance has not convinced Babbel, who believes the 26-year-old lacks the consistency required to establish himself among the world’s elite midfielders.

Speaking on Sky90, the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender expressed reservations about Nmecha’s ability to maintain his standards across successive matches, particularly when Dortmund face a demanding schedule.

“I’ve never seen him play three good games in a row. He can’t play at the very highest level on Saturday, Wednesday and Saturday. He can manage one game, perhaps even two, but he can’t manage three,” Babbel said.

The former international also dismissed suggestions that Nmecha should be considered a world-class player, arguing that consistency and leadership are essential qualities for anyone seeking that recognition.

Babbel questions Nmecha’s world-class credentials

Babbel believes that delivering outstanding performances occasionally is insufficient to earn a place among football’s elite, insisting that top-level players must consistently influence matches, even when they are not at their best.

“For me, being world-class means you can do it three times. That you deliver three times, even if you’re perhaps not at your best yourself. That you have such an impact on the team that everyone knows: we need him, he directs and leads the team. In my eyes, he can’t do that yet,” he added.

Germany’s record appearance holder Lothar Matthäus shared Babbel’s concerns about the midfielder’s unpredictability but acknowledged that his physical and technical attributes give him the potential to become an influential figure.

Matthäus believes Nmecha possesses the necessary qualities to make a significant difference at the highest level, provided he develops greater consistency and makes full use of his abilities.

“Given the attributes he has, if he makes the most of them, he can become a player who makes a big difference,” Matthäus said.

Niko Kovac and Ole Book back Dortmund midfielder

While Babbel and Matthäus have questioned aspects of Nmecha’s game, Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac remains convinced of the midfielder’s importance to the team.

His two-goal contribution against Elversberg demonstrated the attacking threat he offers, with Kovac particularly impressed by his physical presence, movement and technical ability.

The Croatian praised the midfielder’s capacity to navigate difficult situations and create opportunities for his teammates through his intelligent body positioning.

“He can resolve a lot of situations so quickly with the way he turns his body. That makes his team-mates better,” Kovac said.

The Dortmund manager also believes Nmecha is approaching the stage of his career when midfielders typically reach their peak, suggesting there is still considerable room for improvement.

Kovac pointed to the midfielder’s absence through injury last season as evidence of his importance, recalling how Dortmund struggled to maintain their usual quality during the five Bundesliga matches he missed.

“You could see that our play faltered somewhat,” Kovac recalled. “With him, we have a completely different dimension. That’s why I’m glad he’s here.”

Dortmund sporting director Ole Book also highlighted Nmecha’s technical qualities, describing him as one of the finest midfielders in the world in terms of talent and technique.

“If he then adds finishing like he did today, he has the shot for it, after all, there aren’t many who are better,” Book said.

Nmecha’s goal celebration sparks controversy at Dortmund

Beyond the debate surrounding his performances, Nmecha has also attracted criticism over his goal celebration against Elversberg.

The Germany international repeated a gesture he had previously performed after scoring for his country at the World Cup, mimicking the removal of a crown from his head before kneeling to place it on the ground in front of the Südtribüne at Signal Iduna Park.

The celebration is associated with ‘The King’s Return’, a campaign linked to the ‘Ballers in God’ network, whose documented positions on social issues have attracted scrutiny.

Borussia Dortmund’s fan and support department criticised the midfielder’s association with the network, calling on him to distance himself from groups whose ideologies it believes conflict with the club’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The department referenced investigations by German broadcasters ARD’s Monitor magazine and Sportschau, which examined statements within the network portraying homosexuality as a sin and abortion as “Satan’s plan”.

It also raised concerns about what it described as extremely conservative positions towards homosexuality and transgender identity.

The supporters’ department insisted that religious beliefs should not be used to justify discrimination and argued that a professional footballer’s public platform should not be deliberately used for proselytising without scrutiny.

Borussia Dortmund, however, defended Nmecha in response to an enquiry from SID, maintaining that the player always conducts himself respectfully.

Nevertheless, the club’s management intends to hold discussions with the midfielder following the controversy.