A half that can serve as a springboard

"After the break, especially in the last 30 minutes, it was all attack from us. We should've actually taken the lead," said Ömer Toprak as he reflected upon the match at Hertha BSC. The centre-back, who insists he would have reached Salomon Kalou's cross-cum-shot – which Duda tapped into an empty net – before it crossed the line, was visibly disappointed at having dropped two points when he spoke to the media post-match. His attacking team-mate, André Schürrle, put a more positive spin on it. "We can build on the last 30 minutes," said the 2014 World Cup winner.

Sancho full of promise

Having found themselves a goal down immediately after the break, BVB went up a gear, displaying strong link-up play at times and attacking at lightning speed. One of the standout performers was Jadon Sancho. Not only did the youngster catch the eye by setting up Japan international Shinji Kagawa for the equaliser, but he demonstrated his dribbling prowess and perseverance when he managed to fend off three Hertha players in the build-up to the goal. It was the second successive match in which coach Peter Stöger has included the young Englishman in his starting line-up, following the clash with Wolfsburg last week, and Sancho delivered another highly promising display that indicated he may have a leading role to play for the Black & Yellows in the future. The 17-year-old came within a whisker of marking his first start with a goal when he hit the woodwork against the Wolves last week, and today he notched an assist. The attacking livewire has a refreshing carefree attitude about him, which is exactly what BVB were often missing in the first half of the season.

Isak another who whetted the appetite

Another player who proved he can be counted on as an attacking alternative is fellow youngster Alexander Isak, who replaced Mario Götze on the 67-minute mark in Berlin. Despite his tender age, he offered a significant presence going forward and – as he did last time out against Wolfsburg – came within millimetres of scoring when he controlled a pass from Kagawa with two brilliant touches and fired narrowly wide. Moments beforehand he had come close when he struck the crossbar. Having now been at BVB for a year, the 18-year-old seems to be slowly finding his feet. His performances are certainly whetting the appetite. Goals will follow if he keeps up the good work. He is undoubtedly benefiting from the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It remains to be seen how the Gabon international's situation will develop in the coming days. But it is clear to see that Isak has the talent to step into the breach if Aubameyang is not available. Sancho and Isak could both play a key part in the future of Borussia Dortmund; that much has been evident from the first two Bundesliga matches of the New Year. 

Foundations have been laid

To ensure that future, they need the right team and environment around them. They need experienced players in whose shadows they can develop. And they need a coach who shows faith in them. BVB pretty much have those requirements covered. That much has been evident over the past few years, in which a vast number of BVB youngsters have developed into top-class players. The foundations have been laid for the club's future. And as for the weeks ahead, the final half-hour at the Olympiastadion should fill all Black & Yellows with encouragement. They are still unbeaten under Peter Stöger. With each passing week, the Austrian is getting more time to stabilise his team. They will next be in action next Saturday when they play host to SC Freiburg in Dortmund, where everyone associated with the club will be firmly hoping they will at last pick up the first competitive victory of the year.
Dennis-Julian Gottschlich