September 26, 2018, Matchday 5 of the Bundesliga. Akraf Hakimi made his first start for Borussia Dortmund at right-back. This event was significant not only for the player himself, but also for the club, which was striving to regain its former glory at the time. Hakimi, at the time of his debut, was only a talented 19-year-old, but had already established himself at Real Madrid, where his abilities were noticed by coaches and fans alike. At Real Madrid, he showed potential, but it was in Germany that he began to demonstrate his maturity and attacking power. The first minutes on the pitch for the new club were a test for the young defender. Hakimi confidently dodged his opponents' pressure, demonstrating excellent ball control and the ability to read the game. His speed and technique allowed him not only to cover the flank but also to actively participate in the team's offensive actions.
He seemed to possess a special gift: the ability to find free zones and create dangerous opportunities for his teammates. Hakimi not only defended but also actively supported offensive plays, which became an important element of Borussia's style of play. This quality caught the attention of the coach, who realized that the team needed a player capable of creating a threat on the flank. As the season progressed, Hakimi became an increasingly important part of the team.
His interaction with strikers such as Paco Alcacer and Marco Reus created numerous scoring opportunities. This collaboration became one of the key factors in Borussia's success that season. Hakimi not only scored but also provided assists, making him one of the club's most valuable players. Furthermore, Hakimi demonstrated excellent fitness and stamina, which allowed him to successfully cope with the workload throughout the season. His ability to play at high speed and make quick decisions under pressure from opponents became increasingly remarkable. He became a true leader on the pitch, despite his young age. This was a testament to his professionalism and desire to develop.
It's no surprise that his successes didn't go unnoticed. Hakimi became the talk of the town not only among fans but also among experts, who predicted a great future for this young talent. He attracted attention not only in the Bundesliga, but also on the international stage, where he began representing the Moroccan national team. His performances at club level earned him a call-up to the national team, which was another step towards his future career. By the end of the season, Hakimi had established himself as one of the Bundesliga's best right-backs, and his play became an example for many young players. His journey from a young talent at Real Madrid to a key player at Borussia Dortmund has become an inspiring example of how hard work and the desire to improve can lead to success at the highest level.
In the 32nd minute, Hakimi opened the scoring: after a neat exchange of passes near the penalty area, he broke into the attacking zone and fired powerfully into the far corner – 1:0, his first goal for Borussia! This moment was not only a significant event of the match, but also a milestone in the young defender's career. At that moment, joy reigned in the stadium – the fans who had come to support the team were delighted. Hakimi, raising his hands in the air, felt the full force of his fans' support, and his joy was genuine. This goal was the result of well-thought-out tactics by the team, which actively used the flanks to create attacking opportunities. Hakimi, showing his best qualities, received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and, having handled it confidently, chose the moment to strike.
His powerful shot was accurate and quick, leaving the opposing goalkeeper no chance. At this point, Hakimi demonstrated not only his attacking power, but also his confidence in his abilities. After the goal, Hakimi continued to actively participate in the game, his energy and desire to act inspiring his teammates. He not only defended his goal but also constantly looked for opportunities to participate in attacks. This quality became decisive for his position on the pitch and made him a valuable player for Borussia. The team began to feel more confident, which allowed them to control the course of the match.
As the match progressed, it became clear that Hakimi was not just a defender, but a versatile player who could influence the outcome. His interaction with other players such as Jadon Sancho and Marco Reus became a key element of the team's strategy. They created combinations that constantly threatened the opponent's defensive lines. Every time Hakimi moved up in attack, it brought new opportunities to the team, and the opponents were unable to counter him. The second half of the match was also full of tension. The opponents, realizing they had to recover, began to show aggression.
However, Hakimi, displaying confidence and composure, continued to perform his defensive duties. He read the game perfectly, anticipating the opponent's actions and successfully intercepting the ball. This quality allowed him not only to neutralize the opponent's attacks, but also to quickly switch to counterattacks for his team. With each match played, Hakimi became an increasingly visible figure in the Bundesliga. His first goal for Borussia not only delighted the fans but also gave him additional motivation. He understood that his game was important, and this inspired him to continue succeeding. Shortly after this match, he became a true hero to the fans, who began to celebrate his achievements and discuss his future. The team gathered in the locker room after the match and celebrated their victory. Surrounded by his teammates, Hakimi felt like he was part of something bigger.
The match ended 7-0, one of Dortmund's biggest wins this season. Akraf Hakimi was the main revelation of the evening and received the Player of the Match award according to the club and the press. This result not only strengthened Borussia's position in the Bundesliga standings, but also demonstrated the strength of the team, which was poised for great achievements this season. Hakimi, after playing an exceptional match, became a true hero to the fans. His contribution to the game was invaluable. That night, he not only opened the scoring but also actively supported his team's attacks, allowing Dortmund to dominate the pitch. The opposing players were unable to cope with his speed and technique, which led to numerous dangerous moments near the opponent's goal. Each of these statistics speaks volumes about Hakimi's effectiveness in this match. He not only participated in creating goal-scoring chances, but also became the author of goals scored, which is a particularly valuable achievement for a defender.
After the match, Hakimi was surrounded by attention. The fans chanted his name with joy, and his teammates expressed their admiration for his performance. The award for best player of the match was well-deserved, and Akraf himself understood that it was not only his personal achievement, but also the result of teamwork, that allowed him to achieve such an impressive result. By this time, Hakimi had already earned the love of the fans and the respect of the coaches. His development within the team was rapid, and he knew that every match was an opportunity to showcase his best qualities. With each new match, he gained more and more confidence in his abilities, which allowed him to show creativity and initiative on the field.
