International breaks often prompt reflection on a club’s situation, whether positive or negative. Unfortunately for Dortmund, the outlook is bleak. Leadership struggles persist, domestic performances seem beyond repair, and overall, the squad lacks depth and quality.

As someone deeply invested in youth football, I believe promising academy players can sometimes compensate for poor squad planning, which is crucial for BVB right now. With that in mind, I’ve highlighted a few emerging talents that Dortmund fans should keep an eye on in the coming years.

Dortmund has mishandled player development in recent seasons, making it essential not to rush these prospects. However, given BVB’s urgent need for fresh talent, here are my top three academy players who seem most prepared to make the leap.

Filippo Mané (CB, 20, Italy)

Starting with an exciting talent, Mané is a dynamic and tenacious defender who thrives in an aggressive, front-footed style. He is quick for a center-back, physically strong, and excels in one-on-one battles. His defensive approach is relentless, closely tracking opponents before making decisive challenges to win possession. He also makes great use of his body, particularly when shielding the ball and cutting across attackers.

On the ball, Mané is equally assertive. He is a powerful ball carrier who builds momentum when driving forward, brushing off challenges while exploiting open spaces. His passing ability shows promise, particularly with long, clipped balls and incisive driven passes. His transition to the first team will depend on refining the accuracy and consistency of this aspect of his game.

Mané’s biggest area for improvement is controlling his aggressive style, as it can make him vulnerable against skillful attackers who exploit his eagerness. With maturity, coaching, and experience, he can fine-tune his defensive approach. Additionally, his composure in possession needs to be developed, ensuring smarter decision-making rather than rash actions. He should be breaking into the first team next season, ideally learning from Waldemar Anton to refine his tactical discipline. However, if Emre Can stays, Dortmund risks blocking a clear pathway for Mané, which would be a mistake.

Kjell Wätjen (CM, 19, Germany.)

Another player who could be ready for first-team football next season. Wätjen has already made appearances for Dortmund’s senior squad and left a strong impression, yet he has struggled to secure regular opportunities. While his performances in the U19s and U23s have been inconsistent this year, he remains a German U19 international with clear potential. With BVB’s midfield in desperate need of reinforcements, Wätjen could be a valuable option if given a chance by Niko Kovač or another incoming manager.

A highly versatile and intelligent midfielder, Wätjen has the potential to excel in multiple roles—whether as a deep-lying playmaker (6), a box-to-box midfielder (8), or an attacking playmaker (10). His game awareness is impressive, consistently finding the right positions both offensively and defensively. His passing is varied and precise, often targeting open spaces or playing into a teammate’s back foot to facilitate fluid movement.

His decision-making is generally strong, as he constantly looks to drive the game forward. He excels at quick link-up play in tight areas and is effective at carrying the ball, using long strides and heavy touches to draw defenders in before slipping past them. At 6’0″ (1.82m) and around 72 kg (158 lbs), he holds his own physically, though he doesn’t particularly thrive on physical battles. He is solid in tackles but prefers a more technical approach.

However, Wätjen sometimes fades out of games when his team is under sustained pressure. He lacks a strong off-ball presence, making it difficult for him to influence midfield battles defensively. Improving his positional awareness and adding more aggression could help him become a more complete player. His passing weight can also be inconsistent at times. Overall, though, he has the potential to offer just as much—if not more—than Marcel Sabitzer or Pascal Groß next season. He should be given a full preseason with the first team, or possibly a loan move to gain valuable experience.

Almugera Kabar (LB, 18, Germany)

Kabar has already earned some first-team minutes, though under challenging circumstances, such as the chaotic 3-2 loss to Leverkusen. Given the presence of Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson at left-back, Kabar’s future in the squad remains uncertain. Unless the next manager prioritizes an attacking full-back, his opportunities may be limited, which would be unfortunate.

Physically dominant and highly athletic, Kabar plays with an aggressive defensive style, frequently pressing opponents and using his strength in duels. His broad frame and upper-body power allow him to win physical battles, while his speed enables him to make crucial interceptions and recover quickly in defensive transitions—an asset for high-pressing teams.

In attack, Kabar’s powerful running is a major asset. He stretches defensive lines with overlapping and underlapping runs and is capable of driving at defenders. His crossing ability is solid, both from deep and the byline, making him a useful attacking outlet. He is also comfortable linking up in tight spaces and uses his body effectively to shield the ball while carrying it forward. His quick first step and explosive movements give him an advantage in one-on-one situations.

However, his one-on-one defending is a notable weakness. His timing is often off, leading to rash challenges and over-committing in duels. He would benefit from playing as a left wing-back (LWB), where he has defensive cover behind him. His ball control and crossing consistency could also improve, though these are secondary concerns. Decision-making remains a work in progress, as he sometimes struggles to recognize the best passing or movement options. With more experience, he should naturally develop in these areas.

For now, a loan move might be the best option to help him gain the necessary experience, but Dortmund should ensure he remains in their long-term plans. Kabar possesses undeniable talent and could become a valuable asset if properly integrated into the squad.