Amini's playing it cool

After scoring in a midweek win over lower tier opposition for his new club, and then coming off the bench for a 25-minute cameo in a 3-1 pre-season loss to Club Bruges at the weekend, the fast rising 19-year-old is out to put some perspective on his prospects with the back-to back Bundesliga champion.

“It’s great to be involved with the first team and to be getting some game time … you couldn’t wish for anything more,” the former Central Coast Mariners attacking weapon told The World Game.

“I am just here to learn, soak up information, improve my game and try and make an impression as best as I can.

“Anything else is a bonus to me. I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world with one of the top coaches in Jurgen Klopp and I am privileged to be here.

“Where that takes me who knows? But I am not looking to put extra pressure on myself by saying I will do this and do that.

“Just being involved in training is a massive learning curve and playing games take it up a notch from there. I am going to keep getting stuck in, working really hard and hoping I can impress the here.”

Nicknamed ‘Pumuckl’ in his new home after a look-alike  cartoon character on kids’ TV who also sports a fire-red afro, Amini clearly has no illusions about being Dortmund’s mane man anytime soon.

And it’s his humble and hard grafting approach which his agent, European-based former national soccer league star Buddy Farah, which will be his greatest weapon in making it to the top.

“Musti is making good progress and is attracting some headlines in Germany but really it is just a work in progress and it’s a long journey for him," he said.

“The club is supporting him the whole way and not putting any pressure on him to be the new Shinji Kagawa or anything like that. They know that he’s still raw and learning the game and they are happy to give him time to develop.

“He has a contract there for three years and he’s coming along quite nicely and enjoying it. He’s in a new world and is taking it in his grasp.

“His attitude and character is excellent and they are big pluses for him. Jurgen Klopp is well known for giving opportunities to unknowns and turning them into excellent players.

“Three is no reason why he’s quality shouldn’t shine through. There is no doubt in my mind he will get there. But it’s going to take time.”

Dortmund’s loss to Bruges was overshadowed by violent scenes just before the start of the game as groups of rival fans clashed meant a delay to the start with the Belgian Jupiler League runner-up.