Player Profile: A closer look at Borussia Dortmund's rising star Kjell Wätjen

Wätjen’s future at Borussia Dortmund

Wätjen, a Borussia Dortmund fan since childhood, getting to start alongside fellow academy graduates in Youssoufa Moukoko and his childhood idol Marco Reus. is heartwarming for fans. His future career is more likely as a number eight rather than as a defensive midfielder, as he was deployed in the Augsburg match.

Unlike Sabitzer who runs into the ten space, Wätjen may be a slightly deeper box-to-box midfielder, with his skillet favouring roaming the space above the penalty area, picking out through balls in behind and setting up wide players in 1v1s against the full-backs.

Wätjen, regardless of the type of player he matures into is certainly ready to be a full-time senior player. His ability as a passer may not continue at the same level he displayed in an open match such as this but should be enough to keep him in the first team picture for the entirety of next season. While a 2,000 minute season may be a while away, Wätjen has clearly surpassed U-19s football and is ready for a regular role as a rotation option mainly off the bench with some starts next season for BVB who will have to contend with a much busier schedule.