Table of Contents
Introduction
Japanese national team midfielder Ritsu Doan joined Eintracht Frankfurt this season and initially made a strong impression with his attacking contributions. During the early stages of the Bundesliga, he recorded 4 goals and 1 assist by the second match, showing his ability to influence games and making him a key player for the team.
However, since September, his contributions in terms of goals and assists have drastically decreased. Local media described the situation as "the flame has completely gone out," emphasizing the noticeable drop in form. This article analyzes the reasons behind Doan’s decline and explores the conditions necessary for his comeback in Frankfurt’s squad.
Increased Marking and Defensive Pressure
Doan’s impressive early-season performances quickly made him a marked player across the Bundesliga. Opposing teams began doubling up on him to limit his influence, which reduced his time and space on the ball. Even though the number of dribbles and passes remained relatively constant, frequent fouls and ball losses disrupted his attacking rhythm.
The tight marking significantly restricted Doan’s strengths, such as cutting inside from midfield and executing creative passes. Analysts suggest that this defensive attention is one of the main reasons for the reduction in his goals and assists.
Tactical Changes Limiting Attacking Roles
Initially, Frankfurt used a 4-back system that allowed Doan to play in a high and offensive position. This gave him the freedom to attack and influence the game directly. However, defensive instability forced the coach to switch to 3-back or 5-back formations, which required Doan to adopt a role closer to a wing-back.
In a wing-back position, defensive responsibilities dominate, reducing opportunities to participate in attacks. This change directly impacted his goal involvement and limited his ability to showcase his attacking talents.
Doan as a Committed Team Player
Despite these positional changes, Doan has remained professional, showing no public dissatisfaction and maintaining a team-first attitude. He understands that his current form may not be at its peak, yet he continues to contribute positively to the squad’s efforts.
His commitment has increased trust within the team, with teammates and coaching staff recognizing his reliability and dedication. This attitude enhances his value to Frankfurt beyond mere statistics.
Conditions for Doan’s Revival
For Doan to regain his attacking prominence, Frankfurt needs to stabilize defensively and potentially revert to a 4-back formation. Systems such as 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 would allow Doan to play as a right winger or inside midfielder, offering him more freedom to attack, deliver key passes, and exploit wide spaces.
Improved team balance and offensive positioning will naturally increase his expected assists and goal contributions. Local media reports highlight that a return to a 4-back, attack-oriented system is essential for Doan’s resurgence.
Fans and Media Expectations
Frankfurt supporters have voiced strong opinions on wanting to see Doan in a more offensive role. Social media discussions often emphasize his attacking creativity over defensive contributions, reflecting fans’ desire to witness his skill on the front line.
The media echoes this sentiment, predicting that if the team reverts to an attacking setup, Doan is highly likely to shine again, increasing both goal involvement and his overall influence on matches.
Future Prospects
This current goal drought should not be seen as a setback. Rather, it offers Doan a valuable learning experience in tactical adaptation and positional versatility. Playing in a more defensive role can enhance his understanding of spatial awareness and timing, which may improve his attacking intelligence in the long term.
Once Frankfurt stabilizes defensively and returns to a more offensive formation, Doan’s presence in the final third is expected to recover, bringing back the goals and assists that fans eagerly anticipate. His "flame" is not extinguished—it is temporarily subdued, and the potential for a resurgence remains high.
Summary
- Doan initially impressed in Frankfurt with 4 goals and 1 assist early in the season.
- Recent decline is mainly due to tight marking and tactical adjustments limiting attacking opportunities.
- Doan maintains a professional, team-oriented attitude, positively influencing team cohesion.
- Revival depends on defensive stability and a return to a 4-back formation for an attacking setup.
- Fans and media expect his attacking creativity to return in the right tactical environment.
- Current quiet period provides valuable tactical experience, and his resurgence is highly anticipated.
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