Sahin enjoys being able to express himself

Nuri Sahin believes he is close to getting back to his best as he has been able to express himself on the pitch since his return to Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old began his career at the Signal Iduna Park and his impressive displays eventually earned him a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid in May 2011, although his time there was hampered by injury as he struggled to force his way into Jose Mourinho's starting XI.

Desperate for first-team football, Sahin then moved to Barclays Premier League outfit Liverpool on loan at the start of the season but he endured a similarly difficult time at Anfield, before returning to Dortmund - also on loan from Real - in January.

Since then, the Turkey international has shown glimpses of his old form and the player believes this is largely due to the fact that coach Jurgen Klopp allows him to play his game.

"My game is all about risks and I'm allowed to show that here," he said on the Bundesliga's official website.

"The coach doesn't only allow it, he actually demands it.

"That type of faith from the coach does me and my game a world of good."

Most recently, Sahin played a key role in Dortmund's 5-1 league win over Freiburg on Saturday and is encouraged by the progress he's made since leaving England.

"I think I've been improving bit by bit since coming back to Dortmund," he added. "Even in training.

"Now the self-confidence is slowly returning and I'm more comfortable with my game too."

The classy playmaker was a key member of the Dortmund side that were crowned Bundesliga champions in the 2010/11 season - their first league triumph in eight years.