Jayden Braaf determined to show his quality and make his mark at Borussia Dortmund

Jayden Braaf is determined to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and make his mark at Borussia Dortmund following his move from Manchester City.

Borussia Dortmund have been very busy in the transfer market this summer, completing several big signings. But one signing that came as a surprise was that of Jayden Braaf. The young winger swapped Manchester City for Dortmund in May, signing a three year contract with the Black and Yellows.

The decision to join Borussia Dortmund was a very easy one for Braaf, because he knows that the club gives young players the opportunity to develop and get playing time. He is now looking forward to following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and show what he is capable of.

In an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten, Braaf said:

"“I’m very happy to be here. BVB is a really great club, the training is good. I can really only say positive things about the club. I want to show what I can do as soon as possible.”“I think it’s exactly the right club for young players. I’ve seen in the past that many young players have been given the chance to develop here. Jadon Sancho also came to Dortmund from Manchester City to take the next step here.“Or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, he is also a young guy who is now playing in the first-team. So it wasn’t really a hard choice to decide to come to Dortmund. Simply because I saw that they like to work with young players here and push them.”"

Jayden Braaf’s early performances for the Manchester City youth teams helped him draw comparisons to Jadon Sancho. While Braaf feels that it is a privilege to be compared with the England international, he believes that they are two different players.

"“The comparison is a privilege first of all, because Jadon Sancho is a very good player who has already achieved a lot. When people say, ‘You play a bit like Sancho,’ that’s nice to hear, of course. But at the end of the day, I’m Jayden Braaf. And I want to show what Jayden Braaf is capable of. He has his qualities, I have my qualities. We are two different players.”"

Reports in England have claimed in the past that those at Manchester City had issues with Braaf’s attitude. But the winger feels that those who know him will find that he is not a difficult character.

"“The people who say that don’t really know me. If you get to know me personally, you’ll find that I’m a quiet guy, I make jokes, I laugh a lot and I’m really not a difficult character.”"

Borussia Dortmund are planning to slowly introduce Braaf to first-team football. The 19 year old is on the road to recovery after suffering a suffered a serious knee ligament injury last year while on loan at Udinese. He will initially train and play with the U-23s team, as he looks to build up his match fitness and rhythm.

But Braaf has big goals, and he is eager to make his mark in the Bundesliga.

"“I feel good and strong. I’m not ready, of course, but I’m working towards it…I still have to get used to the strain of normal training sessions and also to BVB’s pace and style of play. That’s why I can’t and don’t want to name an exact date yet.”“First, I want to get fit and healthy. Then I want to become familiar with football in Germany and play my games in the U23s team. And if things go really well, of course I’d like to show what I can do in the Bundesliga.”"

Jayden Braaf will be aiming to continue his progress over the next few months, and then an opportunity in the first team could follow suit.