Is Tom Rothe ready to start for Borussia Dortmund?

Tom Rothe has most importantly accumulated 2,300 minutes, which has no doubt helped with his development. This is the most of any outfield player in the Kiel squad. Given this and his production in the second tier, Rothe has developed beyond playing for a mid-table Bundesliga club. This is helped evidenced by Nathaniel Brown. The 20 year old talented left-back has already sealed a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, despite under half the goal involvements and worse all-round performances.

Rothe's high usage in open play by Holstein Kiel demonstrates his ability has surpassed the club. The Germany youth international is ready to get a significant amount of minutes next year as Borussia Dortmund's left-back. With no player under 24 years old contracted to BVB next season having surpassed 900 minutes; Rothe can provide the much-needed youthful energy to the team, while bringing an attacking edge and a connection to the local academy. He has also shown his ability to come up with vital attacking contributions, having recently scored the winning goal against fellow promotion chasers Hamburger SV.

While Rothe may not maintain the same dominance in a better league and moving to a back four, he is certainly ready to take a big step forward. Rothe has established himself as one of Holstein Kiel’s most important players at just 19, and has led them to the verge of Bundesliga promotion despite going up against traditionally bigger and wealthier clubs. He has already earned the shot to compete for a starting role in Dortmund, and we certainly are looking forward to seeing how he fares at the Westfalenstadion next season.