Borussia Dortmund star Julian Ryerson just had the season of his life. The boisterous full-back emerged as the side's primary creative force with his inch-perfect crossing and impeccable set-piece deliveries.
Operating from a more advanced role from the right side of their midfield, Niko Kovac's simple tactical tweak unlocked Ryerson's frightening potential that took Bundesliga by storm as the star made 15 assists.
It's the most number of assists registered in a single campaign by a Dortmund player since Jadon Sancho's notched up 16 in 2018-19 season. But remember, Sancho was a forward while Ryerson is just a full-back.
Only Bayern Munich stars Luis Diaz (17) and Michael Olise (21) laid more assists than him as Ryerson announced himself to Europe as the best creator in his position with several big guns now ambitiously pursuing the 28-year-old.
Norway summon Ryerson for World Cup duties
Dortmund fans were expecting Ryerson to get called-up by Norway for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the back of such a stellar inidividual campaign and last night, their predictions came true.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken officially announced his 26-man squad that will be going for the US, Canada and Mexico showpiece as the Nordic side marks its return to World Cup after 28 years.
Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland will be spearheading an exciting squad of talented young guns with Julian Ryerson also expected to play a key role.
The Dortmund star started in all eight of their qualifier games, laying four assists while also scoring in their opening day 5-0 win over Moldova to help Norway seal a World Cup spot for the first time since 1998.
Having made his international debut in 2020, Ryerson has amassed 41 appearances for the Landslaget so far and will be among the senior-most players in their squad at the tournament.
Ryerson and Haaland could devastate teams
What Serhou Guirassy was to him at Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland could be at international level - a recipient of his crosses, whether from open play or set-pieces, and forge a deadly attacking combo.
The stars have a shared history with the BVB, as Haaland also spent two and a half years there before moving to Manchester City, while their link-ups during the qualifier run was evident too.
Ryerson's buccaneering runs combined with high press provided Haaland with elite service that allowed him to thrive upfront as this attacking partnership will be vital to Norway's tactical set-up at the World Cup too.
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