Ansgar Knauff on making his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund: “I was really happy”

Saturday’s game against FC Köln was one to remember for Ansgar Knauff. The 19 year old came off the bench for his Bundesliga debut with Borussia Dortmund trailing 2-1 and only ten minutes to go in the game. And it did not take him long to make an impact, as he set up a 90th minute equaliser for Erling Haaland.

While the disappointing result put a damper on what was an impressive performance from Knauff, he was very proud to make his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund. In an interview with BVB-TV after the game, Knauff said:

"“First and foremost you’re happy, of course. But there are all sorts of thoughts on your mind. You know you’ll be on in a minute and we’re behind. You have to give everything you got. But I was just happy. There were still 10 minutes left and I wanted to try everything to turn things around.”“Obviously I was happy to get my chance to play in the Bundesliga and that I was able to get an assist. But it would’ve been so much sweeter with an away win. It’s frustrating that we didn’t get all three points.”"

It has been a season to remember so far for Ansgar Knauff, who has gone from strength to strength in recent months. He was included in the Borussia Dortmund traveling squad for the pre-season training camp in August. After his encouraging performances during the pre-season friendlies, the talented wide player was promoted to the BVB U-23s team.

Knauff has quickly become a key player for the U-23s, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in 20 appearances in the Regionalliga West this season.

Borussia Dortmund rewarded Knauff for his performances by handing him his first professional contract in November. And just one month later, he made his senior debut after coming on from the bench against Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League. Knauff was also on the bench for the two round of 16 legs against Sevilla, and finally got the chance to make his Bundesliga debut against FC Köln on Saturday.

There is no doubt that Ansgar Knauff has great potential. And if he continues to impress, he could well be promoted to the first-team squad next season.