Julian Ryerson Shines as Dortmund Dominates Mainz

omidbasir- Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund was rightfully awarded the GGFN Man-of-the-Match title following his exceptional performance in the team’s 4-0 Bundesliga triumph over Mainz. Ryerson played a pivotal role by providing assists for all four goals, setting a new club record with three assists in the first half—an unprecedented achievement for any Dortmund player in a single half of Bundesliga play.

After the match, the 28-year-old Ryerson humbly commented to Sky Germany, “It’s not all that difficult. I just have to place the ball in the right spot. The others finish it off. There are also other contributions that you don’t see, such as the blockers. They do a great job.”

Ryerson downplayed his involvement in the fourth goal, scored in the 84th minute, which he assisted from a corner. Although Ramy Bensebaini was credited with the goal, it deflected off Mainz defender Dominik Kohr. Ryerson stated, “I’m not really interested in the match-ball. Maybe if I’m credited with the assist on the fourth goal, I’ll think about it. Still, the honor goes to the goal scorers.”

With three of Dortmund’s goals originating from set plays, head coach Niko Kovac had ample reason to celebrate. Earlier in the year, he had revamped the set-piece coaching staff. Despite the suspension of Nico Schlotterbeck, the team’s newly designated main set-piece taker, Dortmund executed their strategies flawlessly.

Kovac expressed satisfaction at the post-match press conference, noting, “We performed well on set plays during the first half of the season, but we are now perfecting the art. I can’t recall the last time Dortmund excelled in a match with three headed goals, which makes this performance even more remarkable.”

GGFN | Peter Weis