New competition despite being in the form of his life: Borussia Dortmund right-back Julian Ryerson talks about the season start and his maximum goals.
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Julian Ryerson will never become a chatterbox in this life. The Borussia Dortmund full-back has always been known for his quiet, pragmatic personality, and nothing suggests that will change.
Whether on the pitch or off it, the Norwegian is consistent in his approach: straightforward, effective, and stripped of unnecessary flourishes. He does not surround himself with showmanship or overcomplicated explanations. On the field, this translates into reliable defending and tireless running. In front of the press, it comes across as concise statements that rarely last longer than a few sentences. But within those short answers, Ryerson often reveals a lot about his mentality, his ambition, and the high standards he sets for himself and the team.
After Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw with RB Leipzig, Ryerson once again confirmed this image. He spoke only as much as he needed to, but his words carried weight. Despite dropping points at home in what was considered a crucial match against a direct Bundesliga rival, the 27-year-old did not show frustration or negativity. Instead, he reflected calmly on the bigger picture and underlined that Dortmund’s season is moving in the right direction. “We got off to a good start this season,” he explained, before adding an honest admission that not everything had been perfect. Referring to the match away at FC St. Pauli in the Bundesliga and the Champions League clash with Juventus in Turin, he remarked: “We had a few games where we could have taken maybe two more points, to be honest.”
These remarks capture the essence of Ryerson: a player who balances realism with optimism. On one hand, he recognizes that Dortmund could be even better positioned, with more points on the table. On the other, he emphasizes progress and avoids exaggeration or complaint. For a club that has struggled in recent years with inconsistency and wasted opportunities, this measured voice of reason is important.
Against Leipzig, Dortmund conceded early but responded with resilience. In the past, such a scenario could have led to panic or defensive disorganization. This time, however, the team regrouped and avoided conceding again. For Ryerson, this was a key takeaway. “At least we didn’t concede a second goal,” he pointed out. It may sound simple, but it reflects a change in mentality. Borussia Dortmund’s defensive unit, long seen as the team’s weak spot, is starting to show more stability and discipline. The Norwegian’s comments highlight that progress: “I think everyone is working for each other. That was the case again today: even if we didn’t have any more big chances, at least we didn’t concede a second goal. That’s positive for me.”
Ryerson himself entered the game just after the hour mark, tasked with helping secure the back line against a Leipzig side that thrives on quick combinations and technical flair. His direct opponent, Yan Diomande, posed problems with his agility and skill, and Ryerson admitted he had to work hard to contain him. Nevertheless, Leipzig created little of real danger down his flank. Interestingly, it was Yan Couto usually seen as more attack-minded who had handled things even more convincingly earlier in the match. The Brazilian, now in his second season with BVB, has taken significant steps forward, making himself a real challenger for Ryerson’s starting role.
That internal competition could easily unsettle some players, but not Ryerson. Instead of being defensive about it, he embraces the situation. “I just tried to play my best game. That’s what I did when I was on the pitch, that’s what I always do,” he explained. Then he broadened his answer into a general principle: “I think it’s always good for the team when there’s competition. That’s how it should be.” This calm acceptance reveals his professionalism. Ryerson understands that at a club aiming to compete for titles, no position can be guaranteed, and every player must constantly prove themselves.
For Dortmund, this is a valuable asset. The team is seeking to move past the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the Bundesliga title in 2023, when they let the trophy slip on the final day. That painful memory still lingers, and one of the lessons learned was the need for mental strength and consistency across the entire squad. Players like Ryerson, who combine reliability with ambition and a team-first attitude, are exactly the type of characters required to push Dortmund forward.
Moreover, Ryerson’s story itself is inspiring. Born in Lyngdal, a small town in southern Norway, he worked his way up through Viking FK before moving to Union Berlin in 2018. At Union, he established himself as a hard-working, versatile defender capable of playing on either side of the pitch. Dortmund signed him in January 2023, seeking depth and stability at full-back. Since then, he has become more than just a backup; his energy, defensive discipline, and commitment have made him a fan favorite. Known for his relentless running and ability to adapt, he embodies the grit that Dortmund’s squad sometimes lacked in past seasons.
The competition with Yan Couto now adds another layer to his journey. Couto, with his flair and attacking instincts, offers a different profile from Ryerson, who is more defensively solid and tactically disciplined. Depending on the opponent, coach Edin Terzić may choose one over the other, or even rotate them to maintain freshness. For Ryerson, this means he cannot relax, but it also means Dortmund benefits from greater depth something the team desperately needs as it juggles Bundesliga ambitions with Champions League demands.
Looking ahead, Ryerson’s ambitions remain high. Though he doesn’t speak in dramatic terms, his insistence on “wanting more” reveals a hunger that aligns with Dortmund’s goals. The team knows that Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Leipzig will not drop many points this season, so every slip-up matters. Matches like the ones at St. Pauli and Juventus could be costly later, and Ryerson is aware of that. But by keeping focus on the positives defensive improvement, team spirit, and growing competition within the squad he signals confidence that Dortmund can stay on track.
In many ways, Julian Ryerson represents the understated backbone of Borussia Dortmund’s campaign. He won’t dominate headlines with flashy quotes or spectacular dribbles, but his mentality, professionalism, and determination reflect exactly what the team needs to finally transform potential into silverware. His quiet words after the Leipzig match said it all: Dortmund are moving in the right direction, but the journey is far from over and he is determined to make sure second place is not good enough.
