Elias Benkara, a 17-year-old central defender of Algerian descent, has been turning heads in Germany after being selected by Borussia Dortmund’s coach for the club’s Asian tour. Despite his youth, Benkara has made a significant impression since his promotion to the first team, using the summer preparation period to replace key players who are still on vacation. This opportunity has allowed him to build confidence and, crucially, to prove his worth to coach Nuri Şahin.
In his initial outings with the senior team, Benkara has showcased his potential with high-level performances.
These impressive displays have led the technical staff to retain him in the first team squad, positioning him as a possible successor to the legendary Mats Hummels, who departed this summer.
Benkara’s rise has not gone unnoticed in Germany. The German sports channel “Sport1” recently featured him in a report on Borussia Dortmund’s young talents.
The report highlighted Benkara’s physical attributes, praising his impressive morphology and noting that his composure on the field belies his young age.
“His status seems to exceed that of a 17-year-old player. He shows great serenity on the field despite his lack of experience,” the report stated.
Since the start of the Asian tour, Benkara’s solid performances have garnered the attention of both the technical staff and his teammates.
However, “Sport1” also pointed out an area for improvement: his speed. “Although Benkara is a promising player, his main flaw remains the heaviness of his movements.
This point can be improved, and he could overcome this weakness in one to two years,” the report explained.
Benkara’s potential to become one of Borussia Dortmund’s star players in the future is widely acknowledged.
His physical presence and calm demeanor on the pitch have already set him apart, and with continued development, particularly in improving his speed, he could become a key player for the team.
As Borussia Dortmund looks to the future, Benkara’s progress will be closely watched.
His ability to step up during the summer preparations has already earned him a place in the senior squad, and his performances suggest that he has the talent and determination to fill the void left by Mats Hummels.
The coming seasons will be crucial for Benkara as he works on honing his skills and cementing his place in the team.
For now, Benkara remains focused on making the most of his opportunities and learning from his experiences with the first team.
The young defender’s journey is just beginning, but his early promise indicates that he has the potential to become a central figure in Borussia Dortmund’s defensive lineup for years to come.
