U23: Oberliga top scorer Arne Wessels arrives in Dortmund | OneFootball

In the Oberliga he tore everything to shreds. Arne Wessels scored 34 goals in 30 games for SpVg Schonnebeck last season. And that wasn’t all: the 19-year-old striker also set up another 17 goals for his teammates. Such a record attracted the interest of Borussia Dortmund.

After 34 rounds, the club from the Essen district had 108 goals and 72 points to their name. But the impressive haul ultimately only sufficed for second place. SSVg Velbert collected two more points and won promotion.

For Wessels, it was still a step up to the Regionalliga last summer. As early as winter 2024, BVB moved for him for their second team. The forward traveled to the training camp in Belek (Turkey) with the Black-and-Yellows’ reserves in January 2025. He then finished the season for Schonnebeck, showcasing his striker’s instinct.

Established in the starting XI

All beginnings are difficult. The Oberliga goal-getter felt that after his move as well. At Dortmund’s U23 he spent a long time on the bench, getting only brief cameos. At least Wessels scored his first goal for his new club already on matchday two in the 2–2 draw against Siegen. “Before I made the move, I realized myself that I had to give it time. It’s all going to take a little while,” the youngster told Reviersport without concern.

On matchday 11 he was rewarded for his efforts and made his first start for Dortmund against Fortuna Köln. He contributed an assist in the 2–2. So far, Wessels’ tally stands at ten appearances with two goals and one assist. The following week as well, a 5–0 win over promoted Velbert, the attacker was in the starting XI for coach Daniel Ríos (45). “We brought him in so he can keep developing and get used to this level,” said the head coach, praising the newcomer: “He’s confirmed that.”

“The biggest adjustment was the intensity,” Wessels said, comparing the Oberliga to the Regionalliga. “In terms of play, it’s also a bit different. The guys in the locker room run a few meters more, they’re a bit faster, they jump a bit higher.” Despite the early teething problems, the 19-year-old is on a good path.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.