Polzin makes it clear: HSV still want this type of striker | OneFootball

HSV’s attack has looked in good shape so far in pre-season. The Rothosen have scored six goals in their first three friendlies against Rapid Vienna, 1. FC Heidenheim and Everton FC.

Even so, squad planning up front is not yet complete. Coach Merlin Polzin has now made it clear: another striker is definitely set to arrive!

At present, HSV have three out-and-out number nines available in Yussuf Poulsen, Patson Daka and youngster Otto Stange. Added to that is the versatile Rayan Philippe, who has shown markedly improved form in recent weeks. Despite the positive impressions, Polzin still sees a need for reinforcements. “Something will definitely still happen,” the HSV coach explained on Tuesday at the training camp in Herzogenaurach (via Hamburger Abendblatt).

Photo: IMAGO

The coach also has a clear profile in mind. They are not looking for a pure penalty-box striker, but for a versatile goalscorer with multiple qualities. “We need guys who drive the line up front, who can serve as target men, who have already shown that they can score, and who have the profile we need: pace, runs in behind, but at the same time also a presence in the opposition box and a certain physicality,” said Polzin.

HSV searching for the missing puzzle piece

That also makes one thing clear: the idea that recently emerged of possibly doing without another attacking signing is off the table. One reason for that was the strong development of Otto Stange. The 19-year-old recently drew attention as the joint top scorer at the U19 European Championship and also impressed in the friendly against Everton. Stange is expected to, and definitely will, get more playing time next year.

Even so, HSV want to strengthen their attack further. After the departures of Ransford Königsdörffer, Robert Glatzel and winter loanee Damion Downs, only one new finisher has been signed so far in Daka. The additional striker, defined very precisely by Polzin, is intended to complete the squad planning for this position.

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