- By George Priestman
- Half-Time Orange
With the Bundesliga the earliest major league to return following the mid-season hiatus, many have had the fortune of watching players they may have never seen before. Personally, I’ve learned about the state of the leagues and the players and I would like share eight players that may fall into the category of ‘underrated’ or ‘bargain buy’ These eight players are definitely talents that Premier League teams definitely can target, as the enticement of playing in England is far greater than anywhere else. Without further ado, here is eight players to watch in the Bundesliga.
Filip Kostic – Frankfurt
The 27-year-old Serbian has been an impressive performer for Frankfurt for a while now, definitely falling into the bracket of an under the radar type player. His ability to play several positions including winger, wide midfielder and wing back has showcased his versatility that is so synonymous with German football. Playing in multiple positions is something can help any team, giving the manager tactical flexibility whilst not surrendering any quality. His qualities include being a solid all-rounder, with a high work rate and good output; he boasts 9 goals and 13 assists in all competitions. At 27, the time is now to move from a Frankfurt team struggling after the losses of key players such as Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller and Ante Rebic.
Marcus Thuram – Borussia Monchengladbach
Next up is Marcus Thuram. Son of French legend Lilian Thuram, he plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and has been a breakout star this year. A unique forward who has a blend of physical and technical attributes. Standing at 6ft 3, he is certainly a powerful forward, one who can bully defenders to either score or assist. Not many players can offer what he can, and clubs should be eyeing up the forward to bulk up their attacking front lines. This season has seen him produce 10G and 8A in the league and is a player who could certainly lead the line in a better team
Kevin Mbabu – Wolfsburg
The Swiss right back has impressed in a Wolfsburg team currently in 6th place in the league. He was signed from Young Boys after winning back to back titles, and even caught the eye of Jose Mourinho when he was manager at Manchester United. His pace is undoubtably his biggest asset, after all he’s been clocked sprinting at 36kph, the same pace that Alphonso Davies just got clocked at for Bayern Munich. He’s had to prove himself and work his way into contention after not making it at senior football until his time with Young Boys. Since he’s come into the Wolfsburg team, he’s made the right back spot his own. He continues to improve, and his pace would be an asset anywhere.
Christoph Baumgartner – Hoffenheim
More of a young talent for the future who is currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim. The 20-year-old Austrian has broken into the starting line-up this season has been compared to the likes of Michael Ballack and even Kai Havertz in terms of playing style. Scoring 6 times at a rate of 0.43 times per 90 is very good for an attacking midfielder, as well as averaging 0.53 goals per 90 and averaging 3.38 shots per 90. The ability to find space between the lines and link up well with other attackers is a key trait. He’s also technically proficient and good with either foot. He definitely has a bright future and a big move down the line after he’s gained more experience will definitely happen.
Milot Rashica – Werder Bremen
A forward who is certainly ready to take the next step up is Milot Rashica. The Kosovo international plays for Werder Bremen who have struggled this year, but he’s starred with 10G and 5A. The winger also scored a brilliant solo goal to open the scoring against Bayern Munich in the away game before his side crumbled to an eventual 6-1 loss. The winger has tremendous pace, energy and presses extremely well. He is a very direct player with 2.6 shots and 1.5 key passes per game and would be relatively cheap.
Robin Quaison – Mainz 05
The Swedish international is another ‘under the radar’ type player, but he is certainly ready to make the step up to a better team, where I believe he can have a positive effect. He’s starred in a struggling Mainz team and he is a key player for the national team with 7 goals in 15 games for Sweden. With 12 goals in a poor team, whilst playing in an attacking midfield role, he can feature on the wings, or up front. But usually featured as an attacking midfielder, his possesses good technique and could flourish around better players.
Edmond Tapsoba – Bayer Leverkusen
Perhaps a more common name now, since joining Bayer Leverkusen in January, he has been an ever-present feature in the Leverkusen team at CB and is equally comfortable in a back three or in a traditional centre back pairing. Possessing tremendous pace, strength and calmness on the ball, he has all the attributes of the modern-day centre back. A high pass completion rate of 89% as well 86% of his long passes being completed, as well as more tackles per 90 than Laporte, Van Dijk and De Ligt. At only 21, it is likely he’ll stay another season at Leverkusen having only just joined, but it is likely he’ll have plenty of suitors next year.
Denis Zakaria – Borussia Monchengladbach
Monchengladbach have built a team with a lot of talented players, but one midfielder has made a big difference this year and that is Denis Zakaria. The Swiss international is the strong, ball winning midfielder that every team needs, averaging more tackles than N’Golo Kante whilst managing 1.9 long balls per game and has an impressive 87.4% pass success rate. He has anchored the midfielder extremely well and is capable of powering forward with the ball and at only 23, he’s going to get better and better. He has been linked with Manchester United and Liverpool – but he is very committed to Monchengladbach so it is unlikely we’ll see him move for at least another season.
Half-Time Orange 