Why Borussia Dortmund Signed Julian Ryerson: In-Depth Player Analysis
Julian Ryerson’s journey from limited opportunities at Union Berlin to a critical signing for Borussia Dortmund highlights his value as a modern, dynamic wing-back. After standing out during the 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign, Ryerson’s €5 million move to Dortmund marked a shrewd deal for the Black & Yellows. This article explores the tactical reasoning behind his transfer and what Ryerson will contribute to Borussia Dortmund on both sides of the ball.
Adaptability and Positioning: Ryerson’s Tactical Flexibility
Ryerson has proven himself as a versatile option in Union Berlin’s system, typically operating on the left flank of a back five but frequently filling in on the right as well. As a right-footed player, he often cuts inside when positioned on the left, allowing for combinations with midfielders drifting wide and facilitating a more fluid attacking movement.
From his wing-back role, Ryerson is expected to deliver precise crosses, stretch opposing defenses, and recover swiftly to support the backline. His heatmap from the Bundesliga season demonstrates how extensively he covers the pitch, offering width in attack while doubling back defensively.
Beyond the wing-back system, Ryerson possesses the core defensive attributes—one-on-one defending, positional awareness, stamina—to be a natural fit in a traditional back four. At Dortmund, he is poised to be a reliable understudy to Raphael Guerreiro on the left or provide competition at right-back, where his natural side and previous experience (starting nine matches as right-back and eleven as left-back in the season) make him a balanced choice.
Borussia Dortmund’s recent transitions at right-back, following the departures of iconic players like Lukasz Piszczek and Achraf Hakimi, have left a void. While alternatives such as Jeremie Frimpong or Matty Cash were considered, Ryerson brings his own mix of attacking and defensive reliability to the position. His understanding of the inverted full-back and wing-back roles makes him particularly adaptable to varying tactical demands.
Contributions in Attack: Offensive Profile and Impact
Historically, Dortmund full-backs play a significant role in advancing play, frequently joining attacks and exploiting space high up the pitch. This attacking emphasis sometimes exposes the team in transitions, but also requires full-backs who are comfortable in possession and effective in forward movements.
Ryerson distinguishes himself with his ability to progress play quickly. During the 2022-23 campaign, he registered more passes into the penalty area (3.06 per 90 minutes) than comparable full-backs, demonstrating his intent to support attackers like Siebatcheu and Becker. Remarkably, his crossing accuracy approaches 40%, an impressive mark for wide defenders who typically cross under pressure.
While statistical output in terms of goals and assists has been limited, Ryerson’s real value emerges through his composure and technical skills. He wins 62% of his dribbles and nearly half of his attacking duels, suggesting he can regularly bypass defenders and create opportunities.
Ryerson’s dribbling agility allows him to escape tight areas, change direction quickly, and exploit seams in the opposition defense. Whether deployed on the left or right, he adapts his delivery—offering direct, powerful crosses from the right and more varied, whipped balls when cutting inside from the left.
What also sets Ryerson apart is his decision-making in attacking situations. He identifies when to deliver early, deep crosses and when to engage defenders in one-on-one scenarios before finding space for a more effective ball. His propensity to drive play forward aligns well with Dortmund’s occasional need for rapid transitions and quicker buildup from the back.
Defensive Qualities: Work Rate and Discipline
Union Berlin required every player, including wing-backs, to be fully committed defensively—a quality Ryerson exemplifies. His aggressive edge, combined with careful timing in challenges, helps him regain possession and break up play in wide areas.
Ryerson wins close to two-thirds of his defensive duels and tackles, a testament to his tenacity and awareness. His recovery speed is a critical asset, allowing him to track back and fill defensive gaps—an area where Dortmund have occasionally struggled, particularly against fast counterattacks.
However, there are areas for development. Ryerson’s aggressive approach sometimes leads to unnecessary fouls, and his aerial duel win rate stands at 47%, indicating potential vulnerability against taller opponents. As he adjusts to Edin Terzic’s pressing principles at Dortmund, he will need to fine-tune when to step forward and when to maintain a defensive shape—especially since mistakes in a back four can be punished more severely than in a system with three central defenders.
Nonetheless, with Dortmund’s coaching resources and emphasis on tactical discipline, Ryerson has the foundation and potential to develop into an even more well-rounded defender.
Summary: Ryerson’s Value to Borussia Dortmund
Julian Ryerson’s signing represents a low-risk, high-ceiling move by Borussia Dortmund. His ability to play on both flanks, reliable defensive output, and proactive attacking mindset make him an invaluable addition. While not the finished article, Ryerson’s versatility, work ethic, and ability to adapt across roles position him as a crucial asset for Dortmund both now and in seasons to come.
Future additions at right-back may still be necessary, but Ryerson’s arrival firmly underlines Dortmund’s ambition and their commitment to intelligent squad building.
