Tottenham versus Borussia Dortmund: 5 most important players

PORTO, PORTUGAL – FEBRUARY 25: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between FC Porto and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio do Dragao on February 25, 2016 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Borussia Dortmund have the most in-form striker in the world. Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has terrorized Bundesliga defenses all season long and will look to do the same to Tottenham’s defense today.

Stopping Aubameyang isn’t a reasonable expectation for any defense. Tottenham will be looking to limit his opportunities as best they can. Dortmund will want to get him on the ball with space as often as they can. He has the pace and finishing ability to take advantage of even the smallest mistake by Tottenham’s defenders.

In particular, Dortmund will look to get him matched up against Wimmer one-on-one. The Austrian defender doesn’t have the pace to handle Aubameyang in any sort of open space. Tuchel will fancy his chances any time his striker just has Wimmer standing between himself and goal.

Did we mention that he’s scored 33 goals in 35 appearances this year in all competitions? You don’t need to be a math expert to know that indicates he scores almost one goal per game. Tottenham will be desperate to buck that trend in tonight’s Europa League clash.