Jordi Paulina: Who is the young Borussia Dortmund midfielder?
Jordi Paulina was among the lesser-know faces in the Borussia Dortmund squad to face Wolfsburg in the 2024/25 DFB Cup second round. bundesliga.com profiles the young midfielder...
Stats correct as of 30 October 2024
Age: 20 (born 23 September 2004)
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Attacking midfielder/ forward
Country: Netherlands/ Curaçao (uncapped)
Paulina had already played in 10 matches for the Dortmund reserves in the 2024/25 3. Liga, registering a goal and an assist, when he was introduced against Wolfsburg. The 6'3" striker couldn't spare his team an early exit, but his involvement as part of an injury-hit travelling squad is testament to his potential.
Eleven goals in 55 games for Dutch minnows USV Hercules are what got him to Dortmund. He also produced one of his five career assists to date in a shock 2023/24 KNVB Cup victory over the mighty Ajax. A free transfer during the summer 2024 window, the BVB No.32 has a contract with the five-time Bundesliga winners through to 30 June 2027.
Plays a bit like: Jude Bellingham
The way Paulina powered into the opposition penalty box before coolly setting up the opening goal in that famous cup win conjured memories of Jude Bellingham going full tilt in Dortmund colours. He has a similar build to the now England and Real Madrid ace, and is clearly rated as a goal threat, given a number of his appearances for the BVB reserves have been as a support or even out-and-out striker.
Did you know?
With a name like 'Paulina', you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Dortmund talent has Hispanic or Brazilian roots. Born in the Dutch province of Utrecht, he's actually of Curaçaoan descent, like RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida and Netherlands legend Patrick Kluivert.
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What they're saying
"Jordi's among an exciting new wave of players in the squad." - Dortmund reserves head coach Jan Zimmermann, speaking prior to the 2024/25 season
"My biggest strength is my explosiveness." - Paulina following his move to BVB
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