Sebastian Kehl hails Kjell Wätjen's impact on Borussia Dortmund first-team debut

Sebastian Kehl was full of praise of Kjell Wätjen following his impactful first-team debut for Borussia Dortmund against FC Augsburg.

With one eye on Tuesday's Champions League semifinal second leg against PSG, Edin Terzic made ten changes to his starting XI for the Bundesliga clash against FC Augsburg on Saturday. This led to an opportunity for Kjell Wätjen, who made his Borussia Dortmund first-team debut.

The highly rated midfielder had a game to remember, as he put in a confident shift in the middle of the park and distributed the ball really well. He also set up Marco Reus' goal with a sublime defence splitting pass to cap off an excellent debut.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said after the game that Wätjen could not have asked for a better first-team debut. "We threw him straight in. He was a bit nervous. But the way the team helped him and the way he quickly got into the game himself gave him confidence. He was involved in a lot of transitional moments and repeatedly demanded the ball and provided an assist. He played with a lot of confidence. You couldn't have asked for a better debut."

It has been a season full of progress for Wätjen, who is regarded as one of the most promising young talents at Borussia Dortmund. The 18 year old recently signed his first professional contract with the Black and Yellows, and has found himself on the bench for Edin Terzic's side on a number of occasions in recent months.

With his first-team debut now in the books, Kjell Wätjen will hope to press on and make a case for more opportunities in the coming months.