Julian Ryerson's versatility has translated into regular minutes with Union Berlin and a move to Boussia Dortmund. - © DFL
Julian Ryerson's versatility has translated into regular minutes with Union Berlin and a move to Boussia Dortmund. - © DFL
bundesliga

Julian Ryerson: Who is Borussia Dortmund's new full-back?

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Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Julian Ryerson from Bundesliga rivals Union Berlin. bundesliga.com has the scoop on the Norway international full-back...

Data correct as of 17 January 2023

Julian Ryerson

Age: 25
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Full-back (right or left)
Country: Norway (15 caps)

Born in Lyngdal, Norway, Ryerson is a product of the Viking Stavanger academy. He made his senior debut in 2015, and went on to have a hand in 10 goals in 68 first-team appearances in domestic competition, before moving to Union on a three-year deal in summer 2018.

The 6'0" defender turned out eight times as Union secured an historic promotion to the Bundesliga at the end of his first season in the German capital. Now approaching 80 Bundesliga appearances almost halfway into 2022/23, he is among the Bundesliga's top 12 for crosses from open play for the campaign. The Norway international joined Dortmund on a three-and-half-year deal in January 2023, having produced three goals and three assists in 109 competitive outings in Union colours.

Ryerson (r.) was one of Union's top five players for distance covered prior to his Dortmund switch. - Lars Baron/Getty Images

Plays a bit like: Achraf Hakimi

Ryerson is a right-back by trade, but is - like former Dortmund man Achraf Hakimi - equally adept on the opposite flank. Indeed, he's made more appearances as an inverted left-wing-back so far in 2022/23 than on his natural side.

Did you know?

If you’re wondering why the Ryerson name sounds more Uncle Sam than Ragnar Lodbrok, it's because it is. Julian’s father was born in the USA, meaning the Union talent - whose cousins are also involved in the professional game - was once eligible to play for the Stars and Stripes at international level.

What they're saying

"Julian Ryerson is an intelligent and aggressive defender, in a good way. He can play in a back four or a back three - his versatility is a real asset." - Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl

"It's really impressive how he's been playing, and he can play a variety of positions." - Union head coach Urs Fischer earlier in 2022/23