Julian Ryerson has struggled to rack up assists in the Bundesliga this season. After his explosive return of 15 in the competition last term, the Norwegian remains on zero in the 2026-27 campaign after four games, which suggest he's had a muted run in the new season so far.
However, that's not to suggest that Ryerson hasn't been up to scratch. The Norwegian has continued to supply vital crosses for attacking players. In fact, he has made a staggering 30 crosses across those four top-flight matches to emerge as one of Dortmund's biggest attacking outlets and provided exceptional width on the right side of their flank too.
Ryerson has now carried that form into the international stage with Norway, who began their Nations League campaign with a pulsating 3-2 win over Nordic rivals, Denmark.
Ryerson shines for Norway against Denmark
Starting on the right side of their four-man backline, Ryerson had a solid game, especially during the rampant opening half which produced two goals for the home side. Dortmund's assist-king was involved in the first, combining superbly with Martin Odegaard and Oscar Bobb to maneuver their way across the Danish backline and open the scoring.
But even before that, Ryerson created a nice chance in just the fifth minute with a delicious cross for Kristoffer Ajer, although his headed attempt was blocked. But the 28-year-old was already getting forward and contributing offensively right off the bat.
His hunger for possession saw Ryerson hound Danish players like a hungry Hyena chasing down a gazelle, pressing relentlessly and closing down passing angles to make seven recoveries in the match and winning four ground duels. Though he was an important component of Norway's attacking structure, the player also came up trumps defensively to ensure that his side of the field remains safe from Danish attacks.
A valuable attacking option, even without assists
It's a shame that assists eluded Ryerson on another productive night like this, but it was yet another reminder of what a fierce attacking outlet he remains. His industry, combination play and willingness to always barge into spaces to become an outlet for more central attackers are simply invaluable.
These traits give his team incredible width, while his ability to seamlessly pick out a teammate with a long ball from literally any angle adds another layer of offensive quality. Norway would be expecting him to bring his A-1 game in their next match, which is a crucial one against Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal on Sunday, 27 September.
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