Bundesliga
Marco Rose praises in-form Donyell Malen
Marco Rose says he always knew it was only a matter of time before summer signing Donyell Malen found his groove at Borussia Dortmund.
Malen joined Dortmund fresh off a personal-best season comprising 19 goals and eight assists for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, but has only recently started to replicate that form in a BVB shirt.
With a late goal from the bench against Greuther Fürth in the Bundesliga in midweek, the 22-year-old scored for the fifth time in his last six competitive appearances.
"We've always said that we're convinced of his abilities, but it was always clear to us that he needs time to adapt. He has done that very well in the last few weeks," Rose said of Malen, who registered just the one goal and two assists across his first 17 appearances for Dortmund.
"He's playing with a lot more confidence, asking for the ball more, demonstrating his flair and chipping in in front of goal. Now we have to work to make sure he can keep it up."
Watch: Malen scored his first Bundesliga goal on Matchday 12
Malen should have the opportunity to do just that against Hertha Berlin on Saturday, when the 17-time Netherlands international is set to make his 24th Dortmund appearance, and 16th start.
Like Rose, Malen believes he is on the right track.
"I'm getting more and more comfortable, and I've also improved my work off the ball in recent weeks," the former Ajax and Arsenal youth player told SportBild earlier this week.
"I can tell that I'm understanding the coach and his ideas better and better. I'm sure that I can give a lot more to Borussia Dortmund. I know I have qualities that can help me take Dortmund forward. I'm proud to play for this club."