Torunarigha: Written off early, now a regular | OneFootball

It was only in the summer that Jordan Torunarigha joined HSV. After weak performances, he was quickly labeled a transfer flop, but he made a quite impressive comeback.

“He has significantly developed over the past few years and combines very good speed with strong heading and tackling abilities. With this defensive balance and his ability to make an impact in the build-up play, Jordan fits perfectly into our requirements profile,” said Stefan Kuntz during the introduction of the defensive player.

However, observers in Hamburg initially saw little of this. Coming from the Belgian first division club KAA Gent, Torunarigha delivered a series of wooden performances during preparation and even appeared shaky in the cup match against fifth-tier club Pirmasens (2:1 after extra time). His complicated start was rounded off with the city derby against St. Pauli, which HSV deservedly lost 0:2. The 28-year-old left an overwhelmed impression in the duels with striker Andréas Hountondji.

Torunarigha was in the starting eleven five times in a row

He followed the subsequent weeks from the stands due to persistent Achilles tendon problems. Meanwhile, HSV continued to develop, secured their first victories, and put on a good show even against well-known opponents. After returning from his approximately one-month injury break, Torunarigha had to watch three matches from the bench for the entire duration.

With almost complete certainty, nothing would have changed in his role – apart from the cup match against Heidenheim, where HSV rotated in several positions – if the previously undisputed Daniel Elfadli had not dropped out shortly before the home game against Dortmund. Torunarigha was quickly slotted into the starting eleven and seized his opportunity. “After a long time in the Bundesliga, he tried to give his best again and did so. And he is, of course, also a reason why we allowed relatively few big chances,” praised coach Merlin Polzin afterward.

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Therefore, the native Chemnitz player, who was preferred over Aboubaka Soumahoro, also started in the following matches. More commendable performances followed, which, although they occasionally included minor wobbles – like before the 2:2 against Werder – overall, Torunarigha convinced. Fans, who initially got nervous when he was near the ball, now look at his actions much more calmly.

Now the question arises as to what extent Torunarigha will be involved in the coming weeks. Because Elfadli is returning from his adductor injury and will claim his regular spot. Due to the yellow card suspension of midfield enforcer Nicolai Remberg, Polzin will be forced to make changes that could also cause movement in the defense line. However, if Torunarigha is allowed to start in Hoffenheim, he would have finally cemented his place in the starting formation, something few would have expected after his false start.

Photo: Getty Images

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