HSV high-flyer dropped to the Regionalliga: Lemke handling questioned | OneFootball

Louis Lemke was one of the winners of pre-season and delivered promising performances in the first competitive matches. Nevertheless, he has recently stopped playing any role.

On Wednesday, the Hamburg super talent turned out for the U21s around midday, as they lost the Regionalliga derby 0–3 without a fight against FC St. Pauli’s reserve team. Lemke played 76 minutes in front of 540 spectators at Stadion Hoheluft. Just two and a half weeks earlier, he had been in the starting XI for the first team’s away match in Dortmund, home to Germany’s biggest stadium, and put in a respectable display in front of more than 81,000 fans.

Sky expert Lothar Matthäus had words of praise afterwards: “He’s not someone who just sat back, he’s someone with courage. That gets rewarded, which is why he was allowed to play for so long.” Coach Merlin Polzin was also pleased with the Bundesliga debut of the 16-year-old full-back: “He was very energetic, gave everything despite being extremely nervous. That’s something to build on.”

Photo: IMAGO

After Møller Wolfe’s arrival: Lemke loses his starting spot

The coach had strongly backed Lemke in pre-season and repeatedly praised him in public. The homegrown player got his chance because Miro Muheim joined up late due to his World Cup participation. Lemke not only made a good impression on the ball, but also managed to compensate for his physical disadvantages with his high footballing intelligence and clever movement.

His inclusion in the starting XI for the cup match in Verl was the logical consequence. The German youth international crowned his competitive debut for HSV with the goal that made it 3–0. After also holding his own in the first major test in Dortmund, it seemed he would be in line for plenty of playing time despite Muheim’s impending return and the late signing of David Møller Wolfe.

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But as early as the second matchday, the left-footer had to give up his place to Møller Wolfe, who had previously completed only a few training sessions with the team. Lemke spent only the closing minutes of the Mainz debacle (0–5) on the pitch, and against Leipzig he did not even get a brief appearance.

Lemke actually fits the Hamburg way perfectly

Instead, Lemke got match practice at fourth-division level, which does not really align with the path HSV have promoted of increasingly integrating homegrown talents into the first team. After the Verl match, Polzin stressed: “Louis represents the path we want to take in Hamburg as well. If the boys show their quality, they also get the opportunity to put themselves forward. Our academy is doing outstanding work.”

Lemke took his chance and is still currently on the outside looking in. His chances of playing could even decrease further, as in addition to Møller Wolfe, long-time regular Muheim will soon be available again. That raises the question of how consistently HSV are really pursuing their approach. Or whether talents — as in earlier years, when they were regularly overlooked — only get their chance when the squad has no other options available.

Photo: IMAGO

Lemke’s case should provide answers. Given his outstanding potential, his path to the Bundesliga appears mapped out. If he cannot make that step at HSV, another club will undoubtedly move for him. After all, Lemke, who is only under contract until 2028, has already proven that he can hold his own at the highest domestic level.

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