Youngster Ayman Azhil spoke about his delight at making his first-team debut for Borussia Dortmund during the win over RB Leipzig on Saturday.
With injuries piling up in the first-team, Nuri Sahin had to call up a number of players from the U-19s and the U-23s for Saturday's home game against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Midfielder Ayman Azhil came on to replace the injured Marcel Sabitzer for his first-team debut, joining Cole Campbell as one of the two youngsters to come off the bench.
Ayman Azhil delighted to make Borussia Dortmund first-team debut
After the game, the 23 year old reflected on the game and said that it was one of the best Saturdays of his career so far. "Nuri told me, 'You've been working towards this moment your whole life. Step on the gas.' It was exhausting, but it was fun. It was one of the best Saturday nights of my life. It's like a dream come true. I'm happy to take that with me," Azhil told BVB-TV after the game.
Azhil joined Borussia Dortmund last year from Bayer Leverkusen and made a strong impact for the U-23s in 3. Liga, scoring five goals and getting three assists. He was rewarded with a contract extension until 2027 this past summer, and has also captained BVB II this season.
He showed a good account of himself on his first-team debut against RB Leipzig on Saturday, and helped Borussia Dortmund see out the win with a solid 30 minute cameo.
Nuri Sahin included Ayman Azhil in his squad for pre-season, and the midfielder has already made the Borussia Dortmund's matchday squad on five occasions so far this season. Having now made his first-team debut, Azhil will hope for more appearances in the coming games, amid the team's injury crisis.