Opinion: Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson deserves a new, improved contract

Borussia Dortmund have had their fair share of mixed performances this season. Players expected to be focal points of the starting XI have underperformed, while others who came in more as options off the bench have become important and impactful players for this BVB side.

No player epitomizes this more than Julian Ryerson this season. After joining last year from Union Berlin during the winter transfer window, many expected Ryerson to simply play a bit part role for Dortmund; a player who would rotate in and out of the defense when and where needed. He’s become so much more than that this season, however, with the club depending on his tenacity on the pitch to help overcome opponents. 

Predominantly lauded for his energy and committed nature on the pitch, Ryerson has not only filled in as a full-back and centre-back for Borussia Dortmund; his performances have had a direct impact on some of Dortmund’s better results both from a defensive and offensive standpoint.

This was underlined once again this past weekend as the Norwegian international rifled in Borussia Dortmund’s 2nd goal of the game against Bayern Munich. Ryerson has been deceptively good with the ball at his feet and has shown an ability to find himself in promising attacking positions as well as score important goals for his team.