Polzin raves about HSV talent: “It warms a coach’s heart” | OneFootball

Rayan Philippe, Patson Daka, Albert Grønbaek – HSV’s preseason so far has produced many winners. But no one has surprised quite as much as Louis Lemke.

The winger, who is only 16 years old, has logged more minutes in the friendlies so far than any other Hamburg outfield player and most recently also impressed in the 2-2 draw against OSC Lille. By now, even a place in the starting XI for the competitive opener in the DFB-Pokal at SC Verl (24 August) seems far from out of the question.

Head coach Merlin Polzin has now also spoken very positively about the homegrown talent. Asked whether Lemke was already a candidate for the starting eleven, the 35-year-old was still somewhat cautious, but he praised his protégé in the highest terms. “As things stand, he’s doing really well because he’s putting into practice the things we want to see,” Polzin explained. “He gets up and down the line. He’s very intense in everything he does. Those are good prerequisites for earning minutes.”

At the start of preseason, Lemke initially benefited from the lengthy absence of Miro Muheim, who returned late to the Volkspark after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals with Switzerland. The Germany U17 international made the most of that opportunity in impressive fashion. “We are absolutely convinced that Louis can take the next steps in our team,” Polzin stressed. “He showed that impressively in preseason.”

Photo: IMAGO

Final HSV friendly becomes indicator for the starting XI

Lemke is not only impressing on the pitch. The youngster is also making an excellent impression as a person. “Louis is a fantastic boy with a lot of qualities that will help us this season,” Polzin said, praising his attitude in particular. “In terms of intensity, willingness to run, and simply doing things without overthinking them, he’s setting a great example. That definitely warms a coach’s heart.”

Muheim recently used similarly positive words. The Swiss international described his young rival as eager to learn and strong in character. “He is always open to advice. A good, kind boy who knows how to listen,” the 28-year-old explained.

Whether Lemke gets his first big chance as early as Verl or shortly afterwards in the Bundesliga could possibly become clear as soon as Saturday. That is when HSV will play their final serious test before the competitive campaign begins, away at FC Toulouse (7 p.m.). Polzin has already announced that playing time will be spread around much less, and that the match will be a “clear indication” of the weeks to come.

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