3 assists against Darmstadt
Despite his strong performances so far and three more assists, Jan-Niklas Beste from 1. FC Heidenheim has not yet given any thought to being nominated for the German national team. “I think that’s still so far away. We only got promoted last season,” said the 24-year-old after the 3-2 (1-0) win in the promoted duel with SV Darmstadt 98. “I’m not thinking about it at all, I’m just enjoying today and the day off “One day tomorrow and then we’ll see.”
Beste prepared Jan Schöppner’s lead with a free kick from the half field (42′) and hit the two corners that led to captain Patrick Mainka’s double strike (69’/71′). In the meantime, the Heidenheimers also had to chase down a deficit after the equalizer from ex-Heidenheimer Tim Skarke (52nd) and an own goal from Lennard Maloney (60th).
“Niklas’s left foot is worth its weight in gold,” said Schöppner about his teammate, who scored eight goals this season and is therefore one of the best assisters in Europe. As a look at the TM database shows, compared to the top 10 leagues, only three professionals have more assists. Four other players also made eight assists, including Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Heidenheim’s best far ahead: Europe’s top assist provider in 2023/24
Beste, who came to Heidenheim from SV Werder in 2022 for a fee of 950,000 euros, has a contract until 2025, but there has long been talk that his performance has put him in the focus of several foreign clubs. “Sport Bild” recently named the Italian first division club AC Florence as an interested party.
“Rumors are rumors,” Beste said. “I was sent all the articles, but I didn’t know anything about them either. I sat on the couch at home and laughed about it. I feel comfortable here and am fully focused on Heidenheim.” With a market value of 7 million euros (+4 million euros in the last Bundesliga update), he is the most valuable professional in the FCH squad.
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