Cole Campbell: The next American talent at Borussia Dortmund?

After spending much of last season split between Dortmund’s u17s and as a bit part player for the u19s, this year Cole Campbell has emerged as a potential first team player. This season Campbell has become a locked-in starting player for Dortmund's u19s as a left footed right winger.

This season, in 16 appearances Campbell has set up seven goals and scored two as well. Campbell has become key to the side as the second leading creator. Wätjen’s 10 assists from midfield have led to a four year contract and will likely see him integrated into the first team soon. Following Wätjen, Campbell could join him in the first team with a strong showing this summer during pre-season. 

Campbell made his friendly debut this winter. While Campbell did break curfew with Paris Brunner during the winter training camp in Marbella, the American youth international could also use the stalemate over Brunner’s contract to gain ground on his teammate and friend. With Brunner’s contract stalemate likely key to his lack of first team debut, Campbell could have time to surpass his friend in the running for minutes in the first team. 

Campbell is already well traveled at 18 years of age, with the dual national starting in the Atlanta United Academy before spending time at two clubs in Iceland, and then eventually coming to Dortmund. Campbell recently switched his international allegiance to the United States, scoring twice on his debut in an impressive 3-2 win over England’s highly rated u19 side. 

In terms of his play style, Campbell is not quite two footed but his ability with his right foot is adrequate. This allows Campbell to play as a hybrid between a modern inverted forward and a traditional winger. Campbell does cut in a lot but the player can stay wider longer before cutting in allowing him to use his technique and ability on the ball to show a threat to the byline, in addition to being able to cut in on his stronger foot.

Campbell still has a lot of room to improve. But the question remains, can Campbell take advantage of the delays around Brunner's contract to steal a spot in the first team?