For Itakura Ko (28, Borussia Mönchengladbach), the match was a day filled with joy and disappointment.
Borussia Mönchengladbach lost 2-3 to Borussia Dortmund in a comeback during the 30th round of the 2024-2025 Bundesliga season held at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, on the 21st (Korean time).
Mönchengladbach, which has had inconsistent results this season, tried to change the mood with a victory in the 'Borussen derby,' but ultimately lost, remaining in 9th place in the league with 44 points (13 wins, 5 draws, 12 losses). In contrast, Dortmund climbed to 7th place with 45 points (13 wins, 6 draws, 11 losses).
On that day, Japanese national team defender Itakura started in the lineup, forming a back four with Lukas Ullrich, Nico Elvedi, and Joseph Scally.
In the 24th minute of the first half, Itakura attempted a direct dribble forward, exchanging passes with Kevin Stöger to break through the defense, and scored the opening goal with a sharp right-footed shot inside the box. Despite being a center-back, it was a highly accomplished goal.
However, Itakura's performance left something to be desired defensively. After gaining momentum, Mönchengladbach conceded goals to Serhou Guirassy and Felix Nmecha in the 41st and 44th minutes of the first half, and allowed a third goal to Daniel Svensson during stoppage time. Particularly, in the scene of Svensson's goal, Itakura covered up to the goal line but was unable to clear the ball.
Mönchengladbach scored one goal back via Stöger's penalty in the 11th minute of the second half, but they knelt down 2-3 without additional goals.
Interest in Itakura was high before the match. Recent local reports indicated that Bayern Munich, Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen are looking to acquire Itakura.
Get Football News reported, "Bayern Munich and Dortmund have shown interest in acquiring Itakura." Standing at 188 cm, Itakura possesses excellent physicality, man-to-man defense ability, aerial ball handling, and outstanding forward movement.
His ball control, build-up, and consolidation abilities are also excellent, and he often ventures forward with direct dribbles. However, his aggressive forward style has also raised concerns about exposing backspace and the risk of counterattacks due to passing mistakes.
Itakura moved to Manchester City from Kawasaki Frontale in 2019 and has since played for FC Groningen and Schalke 04 before joining Mönchengladbach in 2022.
According to reports, Itakura is likely to leave the team this summer. He has delayed contract extension talks, and a transfer within Germany has emerged as a viable option. Mönchengladbach is aiming for a spot in European competitions, but this loss has effectively made Champions League qualification difficult, with realistic targets being the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
Especially amid rumors of Kim Min-jae's transfer, Itakura is being linked as his replacement at Bayern Munich, drawing attention from football fans in both Korea and Japan.
Sky Sports Germany transfer market expert Florian Plettenberg reported that "Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Juventus are interested in Kim Min-jae," which has lent weight to the possibility of Itakura moving to Bayern amid Kim's departure.
However, Itakura's performance against Dortmund fell short of expectations. Although he provided hope for the team with the opening goal, he was assessed to have underperformed in his primary role as a defender.
Bild awarded Itakura a score of 3, which is average, after the match.
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