Borussia Dortmund has long been a club synonymous with exhilarating football, passionate fans, and a knack for unearthing electrifying talent. While the spotlights often gravitate towards star strikers and midfield maestros, a quiet revolution has been brewing on the flanks, where two full-backs, Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto, are systematically dismantling opposition defenses and fueling BVB`s formidable, unbeaten start to the 2025/26 season. Their synergy and relentless work ethic aren`t just contributing to wins; they`re redefining Dortmund`s identity under Niko Kovač.
A Legacy of Flank Dominance
Borussia Dortmund boasts a rich history of dynamic full-back partnerships, from the legendary Lukas Piszczek and Marcel Schmelzer to the more recent, explosive duo of Achraf Hakimi and Raphaël Guerreiro. Each pairing left an indelible mark, pushing the boundaries of what a full-back could achieve both defensively and offensively. Fast forward to 2025/26, and it appears the torch has not just been passed, but is burning brighter than ever in the hands of Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto.
Under the stewardship of Niko Kovač, Dortmund has embarked on a campaign that can only be described as a symphony of intensity. Nine games across all competitions without a single defeat is no fluke; it`s the culmination of a clear tactical vision and players who execute it flawlessly. BVB`s statistics speak volumes: the second-fewest goals conceded in the Bundesliga (4) coupled with the joint-third most scored (12). This balance, often elusive, is deeply rooted in the tireless contributions of their wide defenders.
Daniel Svensson: The “Duracell Bunny” Redefining Endurance
On the left flank, Daniel Svensson has emerged as the quintessential modern full-back – a player equally adept at neutralizing threats and orchestrating attacks. His presence is felt across every blade of grass, a testament to an almost superhuman stamina that has earned him a rather fitting nickname from his coach.
Consider the numbers: Svensson leads the entire league with an astounding **75 kilometers covered** this season. Not content with mere distance, he also tops the charts for **intensive runs with 546**, maintaining a blistering average of **18 sprints per 90 minutes**. This isn`t just running; it`s intelligent, purposeful movement that stretches opponents and creates vital space. His lung-bursting solo effort against Mainz, culminating in the opening goal of a crucial 2-0 away win, perfectly encapsulated his drive. The goal was merely a punctuation mark on a performance that helped secure a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
But Svensson isn`t just about raw power. He`s a creative force, leading the team with **eight passes directly leading to shots**. He embodies Kovač`s “full-throttle” philosophy, pushing relentlessly forward and diligently tracking back.
“He`s a Duracell bunny. He reminds me a bit of Joshua Kimmich,” remarked Niko Kovač on Svensson`s seemingly endless energy. “He also plays every game and runs 12 or 13 kilometres… it shows how tireless these guys are and how they march on without end.”
Yan Couto: From Lingering Doubts to Luminous Displays
While Svensson provides the relentless engine, Yan Couto on the right flank offers a different, yet equally vital, brand of dynamism. His journey to this point, however, has been anything but straightforward. After a challenging debut season in 2024/25 following his move from Manchester City, which saw him make only eight Bundesliga starts amidst injuries and adaptation struggles, the Brazilian has emphatically found his footing.
Couto`s turnaround is a story of resilience. He openly acknowledged the hurdles:
“I knew that the first season wouldn`t be easy. I also knew that I wouldn`t be at my best straight away. A new country, a different language, I was injured twice.”
Now, with five starts already under his belt this season, Couto is demonstrating why Dortmund invested in him. His offensive flair is undeniable: **seven passes leading to shots** and **two crucial goals** that highlight his growing confidence. His sweeping finish to level the scores against RB Leipzig was a moment of pure class, followed by a powerful strike against Juventus in a thrilling 4-4 Champions League encounter. Beyond scoring, his assist for the first goal against Union Berlin on Matchday 2 helped spark BVB`s current rich vein of form.
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Yan Couto looks to have found his feet in Dortmund colours.
The Unbeatable Synergy of Kovač`s System
In Kovač`s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, the full-backs are not merely wide defenders; they are the arteries through which the team`s blood flows, providing both defensive width and offensive impetus. Svensson and Couto offer a masterclass in this role. Their combined defensive grit ensures BVB can “shut up shop,” evidenced by their impressive **four clean sheets in six league games**. Yet, they simultaneously inject vital drive and creativity, contributing to games where Dortmund has scored **three or more goals in four matches already this season**.
This Dortmund side, with its high-scoring games, European thrillers, and a looming battle with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table, echoes the spirit of some of BVB`s most iconic squads. The blend of defensive discipline and attacking exuberance is a direct reflection of the full-backs` immense contributions.
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Daniel Svensson embodies the relentless energy of Borussia Dortmund`s flanks.
The Road Ahead: The Klassiker Awaits
As the Black and Yellows prepare for a monumental “Klassiker” clash at the Allianz Arena on Matchday 7, the focus on Svensson and Couto will intensify. This will be the ultimate litmus test for Kovač & Co.`s unbeaten run and a chance for the full-back duo to prove their mettle against one of Europe`s giants.
In a sport increasingly defined by tactical innovation and athletic prowess, Daniel Svensson and Yan Couto are not just playing their part; they are leading the charge. They are the unsung architects, the tireless engines, and the quiet catalysts behind Borussia Dortmund`s exciting resurgence. Their journey, marked by endurance, adaptation, and sheer talent, offers a compelling narrative that even the most casual football observer would be hard-pressed to ignore.