Takato Yamamoto marked his first appearance for Borussia Dortmund with a goal as the club launched their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 victory over Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. The 18-year-old midfielder, who joined the club’s Under-23 setup on a season-long loan from Gamba Osaka, found the net during Saturday’s friendly against the fourth-tier side.
Japanese teenager impresses Kovac
Manager Niko Kovac singled out Yamamoto for praise after watching the Japan youth international train for the first time just 48 hours before the match. The Croatian revealed he had only observed the midfielder on Thursday, stating: “He showed some good things. I really saw some promising stuff there, and that will bring us great pleasure.”
Yamamoto, who turns 19 next month, will primarily compete for Dortmund’s second team in Regionalliga West this term. However, his early form suggests he could feature in further senior fixtures during the summer schedule.
Debutants find the net
Yamamoto was not the only newcomer to score. Justin Lerma, the Ecuadorian attacker, also converted on his first outing for the BVB, while established striker Serhou Guirassy contributed the third goal.
Kovac acknowledged the quality within his fresh arrivals but emphasised that adaptation continues. “These players clearly possess potential. But there is certainly room for improvement. The players must familiarise themselves with one another and quickly learn what we want,” he explained.
Emirates Cup and Japan tour next
The triumph initiates a demanding summer itinerary for Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit are scheduled to contest the Emirates Cup, where they will face Arsenal and AS Roma.
Following Monday’s training session, the squad will depart for Japan next weekend to continue their preparations. Kovac anticipates intensity levels rising once international players return from World Cup duty. “We want to improve in every area. But preparations will intensify once the entire international contingent returns. However, the initial group will accompany us to Japan,” he said.
The coach viewed the Oberhausen fixture as a necessary fitness exercise following the squad’s summer hiatus. Following eight weeks of rest and a demanding opening week of work, the objective was simply for the players to participate in a friendly against a fourth-division team and demonstrate abilities they had not displayed during training sessions, Kovac added.