Three takeaways from Borussia Dortmund’s 7-0 win over Westfalia Rhynern

Takeaway #2: Attacking reinforcements should help the BVB U-23s this season

The Borussia Dortmund U-23s should not have the same attacking issues this year. Only five sides scored less than BVB II in the German third tier last season, as they narrowly managed to avoid relegation.

But new signing Paul-Philipp Besong should help change that this season. The 22 year old, who is back in BVB colours after four years, looked strong against Westfalia Rhynern and also netted two goals. Dutch U-20 players Julian Rijkhoff and Prince Aning were also on target, which should bode well for BVB II going into the new campaign.

If Borussia Dortmund’s second team – made of primarily U-23 players can maintain its position in the third tier of German football – it will help the club on multiple fronts.

Mainly, this will help them get young players not yet ready for the Bundesliga, allowing the club to hold onto players longer and giving them first-team minutes after getting battle tested in the 3. Liga.

The second thing the second team’s third division status will help with is transfer fees for U-23 players. By playing at a higher and more scouted level, players can also get chances elsewhere in the top three divisions (as Ansgar Knauff and Steffen Tigges have shown). This will give the club another source of income at a time when owners of big clubs are rapidly moving towards the multi-club ownership model.