Surprising stats: Is he HSV’s game-changer? | OneFootball

Summer signing Giorgi Gocholeishvili has made a big impact at HSV. More than that: The team hasn't been able to earn points without him.

It's a statistic that certainly grabs attention: In the five Bundesliga matches where Giorgi Gocholeishvili was in the starting lineup, Hamburger SV collected an impressive eight points. However, without the Georgian summer signing, the situation looks completely different: Gocholeishvili was absent from the starting lineup four times for various reasons, and the Rothosen remained pointless in all four matches.

The 24-year-old right-back joined on loan from Shakthar Donetsk before the season and adapted faster than many had expected. With his dynamism, aggressive tackling, and technical skill, Gocholeishvili brings elements to HSV's game that the team largely lacked last season. Neither William Mikelbrencis nor Silvan Hefti could convincingly fill the right defensive side.

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Gocholeishvili invigorates HSV both offensively and defensively

Coach Merlin Polzin appreciates the balance Gocholeishvili provides to his team. In collaboration with Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, or Rayan Philippe, it has been shown multiple times how Gocholeishvili's runs and precision in passing can energize Hamburg's offensive play. He initiated the 2-0 win against Heidenheim with an outstanding through pass, and in the clear 4-0 victory over Mainz, Lokonga capitalized on a follow-up from the 17-time international.

Notably, with him on the pitch, HSV operates more compactly, appears more defensively stable, and offensively versatile. Of course, it would be too simplistic to attribute the recent negative trend solely to his injury-related absence. However, the numbers are clear and emphasize the enormous importance of the new signing.

Nevertheless, Gocholeishvili is still dealing with the aftereffects of his nasal fracture. In the 1-4 loss in Cologne, Mikelbrencis was preferred, while the Georgian only played a thirteen-minute substitute role. However, the chances of him returning to the starting lineup against Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 3:30 PM) are good.

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