BVB new boy Gadou: responsibility comes sooner than expected | OneFootball

Joane Gadou moved from RB Salzburg to Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2026. The young center-back arrived with a fair amount of hype. No wonder, because in Salzburg he was a player who took the lead early on.

He may have to do exactly the same in Dortmund. The squad depth at the heart of the defense is rather thin. And the actual leader, Nico Schlotterbeck, who dictates the tempo and structure in the build-up, is still a long way from returning.

He suffered an injury at the World Cup and, as things currently stand, will be available again no earlier than mid to late September.

Gadou has to show responsibility early

For Gadou, that means an essential pillar in defense is missing. A player who can show him things and make it easier for him to settle in. Of course, Waldemar Anton is also a leader and a very important one for BVB, but at the start of the new season he will initially have to deal with a lot of young players.

Photo: IMAGO

Dortmund’s ideal scenario was for Gadou to be gradually introduced during pre-season and then to take on more and more responsibilities in defense step by step. Guided by Anton and Schlotterbeck.

Now he is being thrown in at the deep end. At least that does not come as a surprise, because Schlotterbeck’s injury happened quite a while ago.

That is why the pre-season matches will also be about training routines, integrating him into the build-up play, and doing so constantly. Having to show responsibility this early can of course hold him back, but it can also be a big opportunity for him and for the Black and Yellows.

Gadou has all the qualities

It should also not be forgotten that Gadou became a professional early and has already played quite a few matches for someone his age. Physically, he has everything needed to establish himself in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman, who also holds Ivorian citizenship, is 1.95 meters tall and, especially during his youth time at PSG, learned quite a lot when it comes to game awareness and build-up play. That is exactly what Dortmund now want to benefit from, while at the same time knowing they also have to allow him room to make mistakes.

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