# Mats Hummels' Efficient and Proven Attacking Ability at Borussia Dortmund
Mats Hummels is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and efficient defenders in modern football, but his attacking contributions at Borussia Dortmund have often been overshadowed by his defensive prowess. However, Hummels' ability to seamlessly transition between defense and attack has made him a valuable asset for both his club and his national team. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Hummels consistently demonstrated his skill as a two-way player, often contributing to goals through his attacking play and set-pieces.
## The All-around Nature of Mats Hummels
One of the key aspects of Mats Hummels' game is his ability to read the game and exploit space effectively. While primarily known for his defensive work rate and leadership, Hummels often found himself in advanced positions during Dortmund's attacks. His understanding of the offensive system implemented by managers like Jürgen Klopp allowed him to make intelligent runs and pinpoint crosses, which regularly led to goals for his teammates.
Hummels' versatility was particularly evident in the Bundesliga, where he could seamlessly transition from defense to attack. His ability to time his runs to the box and deliver precise crosses made him a constant threat to opposition defenses. For example, his chemistry with Dortmund's prolific striker, Robert Lewandowski, was a cornerstone of the team's success during their dominance in the early 2010s. Hummels often positioned himself in the box to head Lewandowski's crosses, adding another dimension to his game.
## Key Attributes of His Attacking Play
Mats Hummels' attacking contributions can be broken down into a few key attributes:
1. **Positional Awareness**: Hummels has an excellent understanding of spatial awareness,La Liga Frontline allowing him to make split-second decisions to move into attacking positions. His ability to time his runs perfectly ensures he is always in the right place to influence the play.
2. **Crossing Ability**: One of Hummels' most notable attacking skills is his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. Whether it's a short or long ball, Hummels consistently finds the perfect weight and direction to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.
3. **Work Rate**: Despite his attacking contributions, Hummels never shies away from defensive responsibilities. His high work rate allows him to cover a lot of ground both in defense and attack, making him a constant threat to opponents.
## Impact Under Different Managers
Hummels' attacking ability also played a significant role during his time at Dortmund under different managers. While his defensive contributions were crucial under Klopp, his offensive play was equally important. Klopp often utilized Hummels as a central defender in a back-four system but also trusted him to contribute offensively. This dual role allowed Hummels to exploit defensive gaps and provide attacking options, which was a unique trait for a center-back.
Under managers like Peer Keller, Hummels' attacking influence was equally impactful. His ability to break the lines and create chances was a key factor in Dortmund's success during his early career.
## Conclusion
While Mats Hummels is primarily remembered for his defensive leadership and reliability, his attacking contributions at Borussia Dortmund should not be overlooked. His ability to seamlessly transition between defense and attack, combined with his exceptional work rate and crossing ability, made him a valuable asset to his team and a nightmare for opponents. Hummels' all-around game has since become a hallmark of his career, earning him a place among the elite defenders in world football. At Borussia Dortmund, Mats Hummels proved that a defender can be just as influential in attack as he is in defense.