Miro Muheim: Still undroppable despite defensive frailties? | OneFootball

Miro Muheim has been an undisputed regular starter at HSV for quite some time and seems to be almost the only player in the squad without a direct competitor.

When looking at the line-ups before the Northern derby, one personnel decision surprised long-time HSV observers. For the first time since August 6, 2023 (2-2 in Karlsruhe), Miro Muheim was not in the starting eleven—excluding injuries and suspensions. However, this was not a sporting decision, as coach Merlin Polzin explained: “There were reasons why we decided not to start him today. But this was clarified with the team before the match.”

According to media reports, Muheim reportedly used inappropriate language during the final training session. After being substituted in, he showed a strong reaction and, with a great solo run, set up Yussuf Poulsen’s winning goal for the 3-2 victory. It was therefore not surprising that his replacement, Aboubaka Soumahoro, despite some promising moments, had to make way again after the ultimately disappointing away game in Hoffenheim.

Muheim has already been involved in several opposing goals

However, Muheim—like the entire team—did not build on the convincing performance from the derby. Instead, he did not look particularly good during the first goals conceded. Especially in the 0-1, when the 27-year-old, who later spoke of a “communication problem” with Jordan Torunarigha, lost sight of the unmarked goal scorer Grischa Prömel, who headed in. He made a similar mistake in the defeat at Augsburg, which allowed Anton Kade to score the winning goal.

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Since promotion, it has become apparent that Muheim, who has already captained the team three times, shows quite obvious weaknesses in his defensive play, which have been consistently exploited by opponents in several matches. These weaknesses are by no means new. However, they did not stand out as much in the second division at a lower level. There, the offensive abilities of the six-time Swiss international, who, together with Jean-Luc Dompé, probably formed the best left side in the league, were in the spotlight.

The duo has already made its mark in the Bundesliga as well. Muheim, who regularly drifts into the center and whose best scene in Hoffenheim was, fittingly, a long-range shot brilliantly saved by Oliver Baumann, repeatedly finds creative solutions in possession even under pressure and is also known for his dangerous crosses. He is highly regarded at HSV and has played 1,523 out of a possible 1,590 competitive minutes so far this season.

Photo: IMAGO

However, a direct competitor is missing. Noah Katterbach has returned steadily from a cruciate ligament tear but does not have Polzin’s trust. Soumahoro, who stepped in for the Northern derby, is a trained central defender who is still developing. Therefore, the HSV squad would benefit from another left-back. This player should have his core competencies in his own half so that coach Polzin at least has the option in the future to rely on a different player profile.

Photo: IMAGO

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.