Nico Schlotterbeck looking forward to teaming up with Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle

New Borussia Dortmund signing Nico Schlotterbeck is excited about the prospect of teaming up with Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle.

Borussia Dortmund completed the signing of Nico Schlotterbeck last month, with the defender joining the club on a five year contract. Schlotterbeck is considered to be one of the top young defenders in the Bundesliga, and is coming off an excellent breakthrough season with SC Freiburg.

The 22 year old is looking forward to getting started at his new club, and he is especially excited about the prospect of playing with Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle. Schlotterbeck has revealed that he considered Hummels to be a role model growing up, and he wants to follow in the footsteps of Süle.

"“When I was young, Mats was one of the best centre-backs in Germany and the world,” Schlotterbeck said in an interview with the club. “I looked up to him and I’m incredibly happy that I can now play in the same team as him.”“And Niklas did what I want to do in my career. At a very young age, he moved to a huge club and made his mark. My aim is to do the same here. So I’m delighted that the three of us are now in the same team.”"

Schlotterbeck describes himself as a modern day centre-back who enjoys going into duels and also likes to make things happen with the ball at his feet. He will be aiming to help stabilise the Borussia Dortmund defence that conceded 52 goals in the Bundesliga this season.

"“I love going into duels – that’s what being a centre-back is all about. So you could say I’m a modern day centre-back as I love duels but I also like having the ball at my feet and trying to make things happen.”"

A number of big clubs, including Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal were also said to be interested in signing Schlotterbeck. But the 22 year old chose to join Borussia Dortmund after being convinced that this is the best place for him to take the next step in his career.

"“I had some great conversations with Sebastian (Kehl), the coach, (Michael) Zorc, and (Hans-Joachim) Watzke. They convinced me that I can take the next step in my career here. I’ve heard so much about the club, and I have seen so much about the fans and the stadium. It has really impressed me, and that’s why I decided to join Borussia Dortmund. I can’t wait to get started.”"

Schlotterbeck is determined to achieve big things at Borussia Dortmund, and he cannot wait to play at the Westfalenstadion in front of 81,000+ fans.

"“I want to play as well as I can over the next few years, and I think with the fans behind us we can achieve big things.”"

Nico Schlotterbeck is considered to be one of the best young players in the Bundesliga. And it will be exciting to see how he fares at Borussia Dortmund next season.