Outstanding display – Torunarigha impresses as Vuskovic stand-in | OneFootball

HSV had to do without defensive chief Luka Vuskovic in Mainz. Jordan Torunarigha stepped into his role and impressed.

Until now, the 28-year-old had exclusively played as the left part of the back three since his arrival in Hamburg. Merlin Polzin moved him to the center during the away game in Mainz (1:1) because Luka Vuskovic was unavailable due to a yellow card suspension. Warmed Omari, who moved into the starting lineup, defended on the right, while the versatile Nicolás Capaldo switched to the left side.

In an unfamiliar lineup, the Hamburg defense left a stable impression. Torunarigha managed with 13 clearances to make Vuskovic's absence almost forgotten for at least one evening. "You hardly noticed that Luka was missing," praised sporting director Claus Costa (via Mopo). Coach Merlin Polzin agreed: "Jordan did an outstanding job."

Polzin impressed by Torunarigha's path

Polzin took the opportunity to describe the surprisingly positive development of Torunarigha, who seemed overwhelmed by the pace in the Bundesliga during the lost city derby (0:2): "He didn't have an easy start, for various reasons. But to develop so steadily, to fill Luka's role, that wasn't easy against Tietz, a – positively put – unpleasant, nasty player. He did a great job."

By now, Torunarigha has established himself in Hamburg's starting lineup. His direct competitor Daniel Elfadli had to sit on the bench twice in a row recently. For the new role, which he had already taken on at a lower level at KAA Genk, the Chemnitz-born player received support from Vuskovic: "Luka helped me a lot throughout the week, giving me tips on what I can do better."

Nur die Raute – All news about HSV

They even exchanged ideas during halftime. "It's to his credit and speaks for him that at 18 years old, he is so mature," Torunarigha enthused. "Luka is simply a golden boy." Naturally, the so far outstanding Vuskovic will return to the field for the home game against Leipzig. But Torunarigha is also likely to remain part of the starting lineup – then again in a completely familiar position.

Photo: IMAGO

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