Every week Comunio and sport.de present a player who goes under the radar in the popular manager game, has a very good price-performance ratio and could quickly increase his market value. Today with Aljoscha Kemlein from 1. FC Union Berlin.
Market value: 240,000
Points: 1
Points per game: 0.5
That’s why Aljoscha Kemlein is underestimated
1. FC Union Berlin rarely relied on homegrown talent during its heroic rise to the Champions League. The Iron Youth Academy lagged behind developments for a long time and was only expanded further afterwards.
However, Aljoscha Kemlein, the first top talent from our own youth team, joined the FCU professional squad last summer. The U20 national player is at home in defensive midfield – and therefore in a position in which he faces a lot of competition at Union Berlin.
Because with the set duster Rani Khedira there is only one six in most games. Loan player Alex Kral usually stepped in as a replacement. But Lucas Tousart and Aissa Laidouni can also play in defensive midfield. Lots of players that Kemlein has to fight his way past. But the change of coach could now be the breakout point for the Iron team’s homegrown team.
Marco Grote, the previous U19 coach, has been promoted to head coach of the professionals “until further notice”. And at least regular Khedira will not be on the pitch on matchday 12 – he is still suspended. After his appearances on the first two Bundesliga matchdays and in the Champions League against Real Madrid, Kemlein could be preferred against FC Augsburg by his former coach Grote.
That’s what makes the Unioner so strong
19-year-old Aljoscha Kemlein brings a really good overall package for the defensive center. He’s not a sprinter, but he has decent speed – and really good endurance. At 1.85m, he is tall enough to keep up in aerial duels and physical duels, but still remains agile and good against lively dribblers. Physically, Kemlein has all the prerequisites to make it to the professional level.
He also brings a certain overall package with him on the ball. He is not as resistant to pressure as a Rani Khedira, but Kemlein can distribute the balls well. He is good in duels and can protect the defense – but his young age and inexperience are noticeable. He doesn’t run into spaces as cleverly as Khedira and anticipates every ball early on. He doesn’t lack the courage and commitment to chase every ball and engage every opponent in a duel. If someone walks into his room, Kemlein makes it extremely difficult for them.
Aljoscha Kemlein has this potential at 1. FC Union Berlin
Will Aljoscha Kemlein quickly become a regular player just because he is now working under his former U19 coach? Probably not. A Rani Khedira in top form is still irreplaceable for the Iron Men. But unlike before, Kemlein could perhaps qualify for the role as first replacement – especially if Alex Kral can assert himself offensively with his fighting spirit. Maybe the system will be changed under Grote or a possible new coach and Kemlein will get a chance alongside Khedira.
What happens next for him will depend primarily on his performance. In the medium to long term, Kemlein can definitely be expected to play his way into the closer rotation at 1. FC Union Berlin. In particular, if it is not foreseeable that Union will sign him long-term for Kral, Kemlein could play as a priority in the second half of the season. But now he has the opportunity to get off to a quick start, especially in the short term. He has to make the best of it – so he has the opportunity to justify our insider tip of the week.
Niklas Staiger