SZ on the ever-reliable provider Julian Ryerson: more minutes than ever | OneFootball

Even before Borussia Dortmund's two recent defeats in Bergamo and at home against FC Bayern, the Süddeutsche Zeitung focused on the strong performances of Julian Ryerson. The article is titled "He likes to assist – not just records", highlighting the remarkable number of assists by the Norwegian in recent weeks, who was suspended and missed the match against FC Bayern.

A rating of 5.0 was given to Ryerson's performance at Atalanta Bergamo by kicker. On that day, however, no one shone in a strangely lethargic BVB team. Ryerson's weak performance was not particularly surprising, as he had consistently played outstandingly well in the weeks before, contributing significantly to his club.

Perhaps Ryerson, given his background, should have become a biathlete, speculates Ulrich Hartmann in the SZ. Typically, the Norwegian runs about 12 kilometers per game and still has the calm to deliver very precise crosses into the opponent's penalty area. Whether from set pieces like corners and free kicks or during open play: When Ryerson crosses, there's alarm in the opponent's box.

Photo: IMAGO

Ryerson with Norway at the World Cup – as a dark horse

Hartmann is mistaken when he describes Ryerson as the "second-best assist provider" in the Bundesliga. Both Olise (18) and Luis Diaz (13) from FC Bayern Munich surpass Ryerson's eleven assists. Although the chances of advancing in Bergamo were good, they were not utilized. Nevertheless, Ryerson has never had as much playing time at BVB as he does now.

For Ryerson, in addition to club football, participation in the 2026 World Cup is also on the agenda soon. Norway secured their ticket with eight wins from eight games, including two against four-time world champions Italy. Many see the team around former Dortmund star striker Erling Haaland as a dark horse, to which Ryerson contributes significantly. Haaland scored an astonishing 16 of Norway's 37:5 goals in these eight games. Ryerson had a modest four assists and one goal, but he is considered a regular under coach Stale Solbakken – alongside Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sörloth.

However, the reality for Borussia Dortmund is that Julian Ryerson's good performances have not gone unnoticed by the SZ alone. Other clubs are reportedly interested, and BVB may have to do without Ryerson's dangerous crosses in the future – but at least until the end of this season, Ryerson's assist show can continue.

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