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When the battle had been fought, the trophy won and all congratulations received, Marco Reus took another turn in front of the marathon goal in the Olympic Stadium.

He knelt down and posed for photos - souvenir photos with carers and physiotherapists.

Very private photos.

That says a lot about Reus. He played for Borussia Dortmund for 19 of his 31 years. Born in Dortmund, he has a deep connection with the club - and it is not limited to his teammates. The Thursday evening in Berlin, on which he won the DFB Cup for the second time with BVB, was also something special for him. The trophy has a high symbolic value for Reus: It documents that he has once again fought his way out of a crisis. And it is a gift to his club and its supporters. "We have the pot," said Reus. "It's for the fans."

It was his weeks, it was his game.

The fact that BVB can celebrate a title at the end of a difficult and meanwhile very disappointing season and that they have real chances of qualifying for the Champions League has a lot to do with Reus - and his ability to get out of the Swamp drag.

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Reus is a psychological stand-up and BVB in the 20/21 season is a typical Reus story.

The national player missed the pre-season because of his tendon injury, and then dragged it into the season.

He did not find his form for months - BVB was in crisis.

The coach has been changed.

The mentality of the team called into question.

And once again that of Reus, their captain.

There was even a public debate about whether it might not be better to take the captain's armband off him.

Reus correctly anticipated every situation

It only got better in the second half of the season, although there were also new setbacks: Sometimes Reus played poorly, then he was out because of a bruised foot. But he continued to believe in himself - probably also because he knows from painful experience gained over many years of professionalism that it takes time for freshness and lightness to reappear after protracted injuries. Patience is required. And calm when dealing with biting criticism. Not every player can do that. Reus does.

His performance in the 4-1 win over Leipzig was impressive evidence of this very special kind of mentality.

Before the 1-0, it was Reus who captured the ball.

Before the 2-0 it was Reus who sent the attack on the journey.

The 3-0 was a co-production by Reus and Jadon Sancho.

The 4: 1 was preceded by a brilliant diagonal pass from Reus.

And who prepared the two other great opportunities that Dortmund had?

Reus.

He anticipated every situation correctly, he was the linchpin of the game.

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Reus, who used to be called the uncrowned because he hadn't won a title until the DFB Cup victory in 2017, was horny for the cup.

His teammates felt that too.

Reus is in top form in time for the season finale.

Not only should BVB benefit from this - but also the German national team.

He was one of the best in the DFB jersey during the Nations League 2019, as well as in qualifying for the European Championship.

Then came the injuries - then no more nominations.

Sure: The competition on the offensive is great and most of the competitors are significantly younger than Reus.

But Joachim Löw should give him a chance.

Reus missed the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 European Championship due to injuries.

At the 2018 World Cup he was fit and good - but Löw and the rest of the team were uninspired and bad.

The EM 2021 is Reus's last chance to prove himself at a major tournament.

He deserved it.

If not him, who will?