Youth trio impress BVB boss Ricken | OneFootball

It doesn't always have to be expensive new signings. Borussia Dortmund's youth sector has three top talents, from whom sports director Lars Ricken (49) expects a lot.

For the 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham, BVB paid 30.5 million euros last summer. Carney Chukwuemeka (21) can't exactly be called a bargain at 20 million euros either. To avoid always digging deep into the club's coffers, it's worth taking a look at the junior teams.

The U19 of the Black and Yellows is at the top of Group H in the DFB youth league, unbeaten with 26 points after ten rounds. The club's U17 also holds the lead. After twelve matchdays, they have 28 points. However, the B-juniors feel the breath of the Bochum team, who have the same points, on their necks.

The good performance in the UEFA Youth League should not be forgotten. In the junior counterpart to the Champions League, BVB is on course for the knockout phase after three wins and one defeat.

“No Worries About the Future”

“We don't have to worry about the future. We are excellently positioned,” Ricken rejoices in an interview with Sport1. He is particularly impressed by Samuele Inacio (17), Julien Duranville (19), and Justin Lerma (17).

Inacio is currently causing a sensation at the U17 World Cup in Qatar. With Italy, the offensive jewel has advanced to the round of 16. Four goals and two assists are already in his personal record.

“He is a number ten, as you rarely find anymore: offensively strong with very good dribbling,” Ricken raves. “In addition, he is incredibly dangerous in front of the goal – both as a scorer and as a provider. Moreover, he works very well and, above all, is team-oriented against the ball. He brings a great package.” In the youth league, Inacio scored four times in nine games.

Duranville is the big unlucky one in the BVB squad. Injuries have prevented the breakthrough of the young Belgian, who has already played twice for the national team. In the U23, the left winger is now gaining match practice.

Lerma, on the other hand, is not yet in the club and will only come to Dortmund in the summer of 2026. Other clubs were also interested in the attacking midfielder. He is currently active in Ecuador with Independiente del Valle. His upcoming move to Borussia is causing trouble.

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