Player Profile: A closer look at Borussia Dortmund's rising star Kjell Wätjen
By Eli Brand
In the final third
In a match where Borussia Dortmund were winning, comfortably players took unnecessary shots that were highly speculative (.04 xG or lower). Wätjen showed his selflessness. While some players went for glory, Wätjen showed an unbelievable ability to play highly difficult passes and opted to create big chances for others rather than give Augsburg the ball via unnecessary shots off target.
This creative ability against deep blocks is very rare for a player so young. Wätjen’s 1.2 xAG was mainly created via inch perfect, well weighted through balls.
Wätjen assisted Marco Reus’ goal while setting up Malen with a very big chance to put the ball in the net. He also carried the ball into the final third twice and despite his smaller frame looked confident running with the ball, a fact confirmed by his being third for progressive carrying distance.