BVB coach Niko Kovac (53) recently gave his support to struggling star Niklas Süle (29) in an interview with BILD. The Croatian knows that Süle can play a key role in the next crucial league match against Freiburg on Saturday.

"He has outstanding talent. He's fast, technically strong, and has superb vision. When he's fit, he's one of the best central defenders in Germany!"

If any coach can get Süle back on track, it's probably Kovac: In 2019, they won the double together at Bayern – with Süle in the starting lineup...

Recently outstanding central defender Nico Schlotterbeck (25) has received his fifth yellow card at his former club. For Süle (contract until 2026), this may be his last chance to convince the management of the Ruhr club, including sporting director Lars Ricken (48) and sporting director Sebastian Kehl (45), of a future at the club.

Borussia's high earner (around €14 million) was most recently in the starting lineup for the away game against Bochum (February 15), where he played a significant role in the 2-0 defeat with a disastrous backpass. Kovac is bringing him back into the fold, still convinced of his qualities.

Among other things, he was out for 99 days due to two serious ankle injuries (torn syndesmotic ligament), missing 18 matches. His market value has also plummeted dramatically: In Süle's prime (December 2019), it was a whopping €60 million. The currently uncapped international is now valued at just €8 million.