Jan Zimmermann backs Hendry Blank to play for the Borussia Dortmund first-team

Borussia Dortmund U-23s head coach Jan Zimmermann believes that Hendry Blank has all the attributes to make the step up to the first-team.

Hendry Blank is rated very highly at Borussia Dortmund, with Edin Terzic a big fan of the young centre-back. While the 19 year old has yet to make his first-team debut, he has trained with the professional squad on a number of occasions this season.

Blank has also featured regularly for the Borussia Dortmund U-23s so far this season, and has made 13 appearances in the 3. Liga for Jan Zimmermann's side. And the BVB II head coach believes that the centre-back can make it to the first-team. But he is also keen to ensure that they can prepare him for what lies ahead.

"Hendry is a great kid, but we have to be careful not to let things go too quickly. As with everyone else, we're trying to prepare him for the next step in the best possible way. Edin Terzic and I are in good contact. Hendry deserves to be with the professional team. But he still has a lot to learn in order to play in the Bundesliga", Zimmermann said in an interview with Ruhr Nachrichten.

"That's why we have to be careful with him and not expect miracles. Of course we want to give the young players playing time as early as possible, but we also have a responsibility to prepare them well for what is to come."

Borussia Dortmund have just three natural centre-backs in their first-team squad, with those in charge entrusting Hendry Blank to make the step up if the need arises. The Germany U-20s international has already showed glimpses of his quality and potential, and will now hope to make his Bundesliga debut in the coming months.