Lothar Matthäus: Schlotterbeck is Dortmund’s Thomas Müller

Lothar Matthäus has highlighted just how crucial he believes Nico Schlotterbeck is for Borussia Dortmund.

Nico Schlotterbeck has given Borussia Dortmund a real boost since returning from injury earlier this month.

In a column for Sky Germany, former Germany international Lothar Matthäus highlighted just how important he is to the Black and Yellows, even likening his influence to the role Thomas Müller once had at Bayern Munich.

Like Müller, who departed Bayern after 25 years during the summer, Schlotterbeck is the type of player who leads by example with his mentality, Matthäus points out.

“What Thomas Müller was for Bayern, Schlotterbeck is for Dortmund. He is a mentality player, someone Dortmund will need in the future and with whom they want to extend his contract. The Germany defender brings the necessary attitude and quality and is also a role model for the team. I’m not surprised that he has performed immediately after his return.

“After their 2-0 win in Mainz, Schlotterbeck even mentioned the word “championship,” albeit cautiously. He didn’t say, “We will be champions,” but he hinted at it: “We have the possibilities, we have the quality, and if Bayern maybe slack off somewhere, then there has to be a team ready.” Two years ago, that team was Leverkusen.”

Schlotterbeck, 25, has played for BVB since 2022 and remains under contract until 2027.