Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Rijkhoff: “There is still a lot for me to improve”

Borussia Dortmund youngster Julian Rijkhoff sat down with Ruhr Nachrichten in an interview that delved into his experience at the club.

A recent interview with Julian Rijkhoff has provided some insight into the talented Dutch youngster’s development so far with Borussia Dortmund. In particular, the interview focused in on the difficult summer Rijkhoff endured this year.

Earlier this year, there was much talk about where Rijkhoff should fit into Dortmund’s setup moving forward. Having impressed last season with the u19s, the former Ajax prodigy was said to feel ready to make his senior debut. The plan on Dortmund’s end was that the young Dutchman would continue with the u19s but also get minutes with BVB ll. The club did not see Rijkhoff as ready to make the jump right into the senior squad, which led to rumors indicating that he may look for pastures new to accelerate his career.

That move hasn’t materialized, and having only trained with the senior squad until the club’s USA trip, the player found himself on the bench 4 times for the u23s once the season began again. It was a trying period for the youngster, who is now back at his best scoring for the u19s. In his own words:

"“I’m happy that I can be on the pitch again and score goals. I was sent back and forth. It was difficult for me.”"

Since really getting his season going, his teammates have spoken of Rijkhoff in glowing terms. Fellow attacking talent Paris Brunner in particular has lauded the offensive threat Rijkhoff has posed, which he appreciated:

"“Julian is a top player. The fact that he is now back with us will only improve us.”"

Despite all the positive feedback surrounding his return to the u19s, Rijkhoff is aware of his own shortcomings and seems committed to his development as a player, noting that he definitely needs to improve a few facets of his overall play-style:

"“There’s still a lot for me to improve. I have to stay calmer when I get the ball l, and I can use my body even better. I want to develop these things further.”"

Should Rijkhoff maintain this level of performance and continue to grow, it’s only a matter of time until he really breaks through to the senior quad. It is in the interest of all parties involved to make this a reality as Dortmund’s academy is due for another major talent to break into the first team.

The club has very much prided itself on being one of the premier clubs for young, talented players to succeed and obtain minutes on the pitch they’d otherwise scarcely be able to obtain anywhere else, at least at a similar level. Rijkhoff is theoretically at the right club for his development to really take off. We just have to wait and see just how his story at Dortmund unfolds.