By Carsten Priefer and Roberto Lamprecht
The young wild ones are Herthas Future!
For them the 2nd league is a real stroke of luck! Hertha’s top talents are now getting a lot more playing time and are therefore impressively showing what they can do. Five players (four field players and goalkeeper Tjark Ernst/20) between 18 and 21 years old were in the starting line-up in the 0-0 draw in Rostock.
Midfield clearer Pascal Klemens (18) had the best running performance of all the professionals on the pitch (11.5 km), blasted the ball onto the post (52nd) and saved with a monster tackle at the back (77th). Defender Linus Gechter (19) led and directed and won the most duels (26/16) on the field.
Hertha’s Marten Winkler in action. He is one of the big surprises this season Photo: picture alliance / contrastphoto
Winger Marten Winkler was by far the fastest man on the pitch (35.2 km/h) and pulled off the most sprints (33). Marton Dardai (21) was the organizer at the back with the most ball contacts and passes (85/57). Shortly before the end, the fifth jewel, Derry Scherhant (20), was substituted on.
Captain Reese praises the young guns
Teammate and captain Fabian Reese praises: “That’s the Berlin way. They played like old hands and stood their ground.”
Also trainers Pal Dardai (47) is enthusiastic about his young guns: “We had five talents in the starting line-up, which was almost half the academy on the pitch. I love these guys. Also a huge compliment for our great work with young talent. We can be very proud of that.”
Where does the Berlin path ultimately lead?
Reese confident: “Our trend is upwards…” Dardai wants to go there too. His team should be in fourth or fifth place by Christmas. The coach: “The boys received a points goal from me. Nobody complained, everyone agreed with it.”
Also the young wild ones who are increasingly pushing Hertha’s Berlin path forward.