He was just a winger. Amazing speed, used as a weapon by Klopp to make Dortmund's attack more expansive and looking ahead to his players getting nabbed by those so-called bigger clubs. But, he who is called Aubameyang wasn't just settled to be mere winger, and under the tutelage of the mad German, he became more.
Thus, one of the Bundesliga's most lethal finishers was born, and Dortmund should count themselves lucky that he is still under the radar...for now. Very soon, people will wise up and realize that beyond Lewandowski, Aguero, Benzema and Cannibal Suarez, Aubameyang is at the top of that next category of striker, and he's getting a lot better.
The story of Aubameyang's metamorphosis is very similar to Henry. Thierry was just a winger when Wenger bought him, and the French philosopher worked with Henry as he saw more in him, and over the seasons he made him into a striker, pushed him to the center and ultimately made him an all-round frontman who could both finish, create his own goals and act as creator for his colleagues.
Just look at the recent match with Mainz. All eyes were on Aubameyang to break the scoring record, but instead he ended up with two important assists that gave them the win in a very tough game. He is now becoming not only a very good finisher, but he's aware of his teammates and is playing a greater role for his team. The only thing that is missing for his full completion, is to be better on the ball and be able to beat players with a mixture of speed and technique so he has dangerous in open space and when he is restricted and surrounded by defenders.Currently, Dortmund have to count themselves lucky that nobody knows of Aubameyang yet. He is still seen as that guy who plays for that team that Klopp left who fought against relegation last season. But if Dortmund do well this season which they are currently on course to, and they go deep in the UEFA Cup and Aubameyang keeps on scoring, then more eyes will be drawn to his talents. Oh, and did I mention that we live in a world where you can only name top quality strikers on one hand?
I do wish that Aubameyang stays with Dortmund and honors his contract. Tuchel has built a really entertaining team that play superb football. Aubameyang is very important to that, and him leaving would seriously hurt them just like Gotze and Lewandowski did. Just for the sake of some damn competition in the world of football, I want the other teams to at least keep some of their best players, which will make matches against the Davids and Goliaths a bit more interesting to watch.
It's been very pleasing seeing how Aubameyang has progressed, and it makes me even more proud that he's a fellow African. He can keep on improving, and could really be one of the very best finishers in the world, which is a very small club. Would be even sweeter if he can deliver some titles to Dortmund, and there's always that dream of making that final ultimate step of winning the Champions League and bringing it back again to the city of Dortmund. After all, if Aubameyang wants a statue, that would be the requirement in order to get one.
HH
