SC Freiburg: Christian Streich praises Roland Sallai’s transformation

After a difficult season

The signs for Roland Sallai and SC Freiburg last season were that they were saying goodbye: after a broken eye arch, the 26-year-old lost his regular place, an unspecified incident in the team led to a suspension on matchday 31 and two changes in advisors led to numerous speculations in the rumor mill. But the Hungarian international stayed in Breisgau and made an astonishing development, which coach Christian Streich repeatedly praised.

Sallai recently delivered a “very good and remarkable” performance in the Bundesliga in Frankfurt (0-0). “I told him that in two sentences,” explained Streich (quoted via “Kicker“) before the Europa League duel with West Ham United on Thursday (6:45 p.m./in the TM live ticker). Last weekend, Sallai contributed his fifth goal in the eighth game against Augsburg (2-0).

Adamu, Sallai & Co.: SC Freiburg’s most expensive new signings

Ermedin Demirovic – For 3.7 million from Deportivo Alavés (2020/21)

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As of: September 2023

Pascal Stenzel – For 4 million from Borussia Dortmund (2017/18)

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Jonathan Schmid – For 4 million from FC Augsburg (2019/20)

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Vladimir Darida – For 4 million from Viktoria Pilsen (2013/14)

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Roland Sallai – For 4.5 million from APOEL Nicosia (2018/19)

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Daniel-Kofi Kyereh for 4.5 million from FC St. Pauli (2022/23)

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Hugo Siquet – For 4.5 million from Standard Liège (2021/22)

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Maximilian Eggestein – For 5 million from Werder Bremen (2021/22)

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Luca Waldschmidt – For 5 million from Hamburger SV (2018/19)

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Admir Mehmedi – For 6 million from Dynamo Kiev (2014/15)

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Junior Adamu – For 6 million from RB Salzburg (2023/24)

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Vincenzo Grifo – For 7 million from TSG Hoffenheim (2019/20)

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Caglar Söyüncü – For 7.9 million from Altinordu (2016/17)

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Ritsu Doan – For 8.5 million from PSV Eindhoven (2022/23)

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Baptiste Santamaria – For 10 million from SCO Angers (2020/21)

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He “worked very disciplined again,” said Streich about his protégé, who acts as a right wing player in the 3-4-3 system that has become increasingly popular and has to take on more defensive tasks – which has often caused attackers to become listless. “That helps the team enormously. Roland is very positive for the team at the moment because he is working through everything and can keep it up for over 90 minutes. Even if we sometimes have games where he may not always shine individually for the spectators,” praised Streich.

After conceding eleven goals in three games, SC Freiburg was able to finish the last two games with zero. In return, Sallai also held back in his offensive urge, which is not natural for a trained attacker. “It’s not about shining, it’s about giving the team strength because of your abilities. Both offensively with the clarity in his game and not doing the very special things at the wrong time – and on the defensive. He fulfills that. I’m very happy about that,” Streich continued.

Streich: Sallai’s transformation is also being observed elsewhere, not just at SC Freiburg

Sallai moved from APOEL Nicosia to Freiburg at the end of August 2018 for 4.5 million euros and has since played 132 games for the sports club, in which he scored 22 goals and 21 assists. His contract runs until 2025; without an extension, next summer would be the last opportunity for the Breisgauer team to collect a transfer fee. Sallai’s desire for a move to a top international club could now favor his surprising development.

It’s a shame new at the top: SC Freiburg’s most expensive departures

14 Oliver Baumann – 2014/15 – Moved to Hoffenheim for €5.5 million

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As of: September 2023

13 Vincenzo Grifo – 2017/18 – To Gladbach for €6m

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12 Alexander Schwolow – 2020/21 – For €7 million to Hertha BSC

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11 Admir Mehmedi – 2015/16 – To Bayer Leverkusen for €8 million

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10 Matthias Ginter – 2014/15 – For €10 million to BVB

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9 Papiss Demba Cissé – 2011/12 – Moved to Newcastle United for €12m

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7 Mark Flekken – 2023/24 – For €13 million to Brentford FC

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7 Robin Koch – 2020/21 – To Leeds United for €13m

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6 Baptiste Santamaria – 2021/22 – For €14m to Stade Rennes

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5 Luca Waldschmidt – 2020/21 – For €15m to Benfica

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3 Maximilian Philipp – 2017/18 – For €20 million to BVB

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3 Nico Schlotterbeck – 2022/23 – For €20 million to BVB

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2 Caglar Söyüncü – 2018/19 – Moved to Leicester City for €21.1m

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1 Kevin Schade – 2023/24 – to Brentford for €25m

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“This is also observed in other places, not just in Freiburg. “That can really help him move forward,” said Streich. Sallai has the sixth highest market value in the SCF squad, having fallen from 12 million to 10 million euros last season. However, in the upcoming Bundesliga update on October 18th there could be another plus for the Hungarian – the trend of TM users in the market value analysis is definitely clearly upwards.

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