Borussia Dortmund’s U19s defeated Hertha BSC 4-0 on Easter Monday in the first leg of the semifinals of the German A-Juniors Championship. Julian Rijkhoff netted four times against the capital club. An impressive statement from the young Dutch striker from the ranks of the black and yellow. And also a sign to the sporting directors that the 18-year-old has gradually outgrown youth football.
Rijkhoff not only makes people sit up and take notice with the four-pack against Hertha. The right-footed player has scored 21 goals in 25 games this season across all competitions. He also contributed six assists to the success of the BVB juniors. It’s no wonder that Rijkhoff is inevitably in the spotlight. But where does his path lead?
Next step Bundesliga?
The path of the sure-shooter seems to have been mapped out: With such an appealing goal rate, the first appearances in the Bundesliga are within reach. Rijkhoff was already part of the selection of professionals on BVB’s Asia tour last winter and coach Edin Terzic was able to present himself for a longer period of time.
Following his contract extension in February, the youngster revealed: “I feel the trust of those responsible and will continue to work towards my dream of being able to play for Borussia Dortmund’s professionals at some point.” With the extension of the contract, BVB also sent a sign to the top scorer that they are counting on him in the long term.
Detour 3rd league?
It is not yet clear whether Rijkhoff will join the professional squad in the summer. It is quite possible that the attacker will be sent to the tough school of the 3rd division via the second team. There, Rijkhoff could get used to the toughness of men’s football. Top talents like Youssoufa Moukoko (two games/one goal) or Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (zero games) have largely been spared this in the past.
Kaderplatz von Modeste
In any case, the path to the pros is not blocked for Rijkhoff. In addition to Sébastien Haller (28) and Moukoko, Anthony Modeste (34) is the only other center forward in the squad. The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer and an extension is not an option. It remains to be seen whether Terzic and the Dortmund executive floor want to build on a model with two talents for this position.
Guaranteeing both forward hopes sufficient match practice and at the same time meeting the high sporting expectations is like walking a tightrope. A loan to a club that gives Rijkhoff match practice and plays at a high level would be another option. Developing talent through loan changes has not been a common option at Borussia so far. It is clear to anyone who takes a closer look at the U18 international that Rijkhoff is pushing into professional football in the short to medium term.
