From Struggles to Stardom: Sehrou Guirassy’s Journey
Borussia Dortmund forward Sehrou Guirassy is the top scorer in the Champions League this season, a testament to his remarkable transformation from a journeyman to a prolific striker. Guirassy, who joined Dortmund last year from Stuttgart, has almost single-handedly guided the struggling German giants through the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in 10 matches. His performance is a far cry from his early days at Lille, where he struggled to make an impact, playing just nine games and scoring only once. Despite the early setbacks, Guirassy’s resilience and talent have finally found their deserved recognition on the biggest stage in club football.
A Rocky Beginning at Lille
Guirassy’s professional journey began in 2015 when he joined Lille from his boyhood club Laval at the age of 18. Hopes were high, but his time at Lille was marred by limited playing opportunities and a single goal in nine appearances. He was eventually loaned out to Ligue 2 side Auxerre, followed by a move to Cologne in 2016. These experiences were part of a series of stops that saw Guirassy bouncing between the first and second divisions in France and Germany. His struggles were compounded by a series of muscle and knee injuries, which robbed him of confidence and consistency. Only once did he hit double figures in a domestic league campaign, scoring 10 goals in 27 games for Rennes in the 2020-21 season.
A Breakthrough at Stuttgart
As recently as two seasons ago, Guirassy looked like a player with unfulfilled potential, forever on the cusp of greatness but never quite there. However, his move to Stuttgart in 2022 marked a turning point in his career. Last season, he exploded into form, scoring 28 goals in 28 Bundesliga games and leading Stuttgart to a surprising second-place finish ahead of Bayern Munich. His class and versatility in front of goal earned him a move to Dortmund in the summer. The 1.88-metre tall striker, equally adept with his head as with both feet, has continued his stellar form, particularly in Europe. This season, he has netted 24 goals in 32 games in all competitions, making him the most feared striker in the Champions League.
Dortmund’s Struggles and Guirassy’s Impact
Guirassy’s exploits in yellow and black are all the more impressive considering how badly Dortmund have struggled this season. Last year’s Champions League finalists have crashed back to earth, sitting 10th in the Bundesliga table, 26 points behind leaders Bayern and six points outside the top four. Despite these challenges, Guirassy has been a beacon of hope for Dortmund, often bailing the team out with crucial performances. His goal and assist in the 3-0 win over Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon in the play-off tie were crucial in securing Dortmund’s place in the last 16, where they will face his former club Lille. Guirassy’s impact on the team has been undeniable, and his presence has been a source of stability and confidence in a season marred by setbacks.
Signs of a Turnaround Under Niko Kovac
Dortmund may have needed Guirassy to bail them out regularly this season, but there are indications that the club is turning the corner under new coach Niko Kovac. Saturday’s 2-0 win at St Pauli was just Dortmund’s second away win in the league this season and the first time they have won two Bundesliga games in a row. Kovac, a former coach at Bayern, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Monaco, has only had six games in charge, but his simplified message seems to be resonating with the players. Germany forward Karim Adeyemi has been one of the most obvious beneficiaries of Kovac’s approach. Against St Pauli, the 23-year-old scored a stunning solo goal and created a goal for Guirassy.
Building Momentum and Confidence
"I don’t think we were in the position we deserve in the table," Adeyemi told the Bundesliga website. "Kovac told me to ‘Play to my strengths, speed, and one-on-one duels — and score goals.’ That’s what he wants. I try to show that and to bring it every game. I’m gaining self-confidence, but there’s definitely more to come. I’m building on that." The team’s recent performances suggest that they are slowly finding their rhythm and confidence under Kovac. Guirassy’s leadership and clinical finishing have been pivotal in this turnaround, and his continued form will be crucial as Dortmund look to salvage their season and make a deep run in the Champions League. The clash against Lille in the last 16 will be a testament to Guirassy’s journey and his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
