Profiling Dortmund’s Talented Teenage Wingers
It’s no secret: Borussia Dortmund have a talented squad. Even in the midst of a tumultuous season filled with disappointing Bundesliga and Champions League results, a managerial change, injuries, and the loss of star striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Dortmund’s young talent has been able to shine through. Today, we are going to take a look at a trio of the club’s most promising teenage talents: Christian Pulisic, Jadon Sancho, and Sergio Gomez.
Christian Pulisic
Dortmund’s most well-known teenager, Christian Pulisic has been heralded by many as the savior of American soccer. While that expectation is wildly unfair, it does serve to illustrate Pulisic’s ability. One of the most skilled teenagers in the world, the American is constantly looking to take on defenders and likes to create space for himself near the sideline. Normally deployed on the right side of Peter Stöger’s 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, Pulisic plays as a traditional winger, driving to the byline and putting in crosses. For the United States Men’s National Team, Christian Pulisic plays a very different role. Instead of only operating on the right wing, CP has the freedom to move centrally and create chances. This added responsibility suits Pulisic and allows him to show his best qualities on and off the ball.
While not ready to take the central, creative reigns at Dortmund, Pulisic has shown inconsistent flashes of brilliance out on the right. Whether his future is on the right or in the middle, at only 19-years-old, there’s plenty of time for Christian Pulisic to grow into his potential as a dominant attacking player.
Jadon Sancho
A stand out at the Under 17 World Cup in India, Jadon Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund’s squad from Manchester City earlier this season. In less than one season, Sancho has already made Pep Guardiola and the higher-ups in Manchester regret selling him. Due to injury, the young Englishman has only made a handful of appearances so far this year, but even in limited action, Sancho has proved why he is one of the most prolific talents in the world. Rotated in on the left wing, Sancho is free to cut inside and play passes to Michy Batshuayi and Maximilian Philipp up front, make runs off the striker, or drive into the box and shoot. His ability on the ball, composure, and unique patience are all very impressive traits for an 18-year-old winger.
Although he likely won’t be a part of Gareth Southgates’ 2018 England World Cup squad, Sancho is certainly on the fringe of England’s senior set up. All of this promise points to one thing: Jadon Sancho is poised to make a huge impact for club and country over the next few seasons.
Sergio Gomez
The youngest of the three players mentioned here, Sergio Gomez is another new arrival at Dortmund; the former Barcelona academy player moved to BVB in the January transfer window. While Gomez has not had the opportunity to show much at the senior club level, he was a standout at the Under 17 European Championships and the U17 World Cup. He has fantastic ability from set pieces, a skillful first touch, and quality shooting ability. Normally played at left wing, Sergio Gomez is behind Jadon Sancho in terms of future minutes, but if Dortmund have made anything clear this season, it’s that they are willing to give talented young players meaningful minutes. Watch out for this Spanish 17-year-old next season.
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