BVB starlet impresses: Kovac makes big promise | OneFootball

After his strong performance in the DFB-Pokal, Mathis Albert received high praise from Niko Kovac. The BVB coach is giving the 17-year-old hope of more appearances.

Mathis Albert has clearly made a lasting impression at Borussia Dortmund. After making his first start for the senior team in the DFB-Pokal against HEBC, BVB coach Niko Kovac had clear words of praise for the 17-year-old attacking player — and suggested he could get more playing time with the first team.

In the 5–0 win over the fifth-division side, Albert stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Although the American was denied his first goal contribution in professional football, he still drew attention with his dribbling and direct runs at goal. Overall, the winger had six shots and also created several chances for his teammates.

Kovac was clearly pleased with the display from his young talent. “I told him that again personally today, that I was very, very satisfied with his performance,” the Dortmund coach said at the press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against TSG Hoffenheim (15:30). The 54-year-old is especially impressed by Albert’s qualities in one-on-one situations. “He is a one-on-one player. Someone who takes players on and tries to commit the opponent, sometimes even in one-against-two situations,” Kovac said, describing the youngster’s strengths.

BVB gem Mathis Albert delights Niko Kovac

If Albert continues his development, he could get regular opportunities in the coming weeks and months. In any case, Kovac gave his protégé reason for optimism: “If he keeps this up, then he will get a lot of minutes this season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Albert will, however, have to deal with competition. BVB have also signed another young attacking player in Ethan Nwaneri. The 19-year-old arrived as a replacement for Giannis Konstantelias, who is sidelined with a torn ACL, and according to Kovac could be ready to feature in the short term.

Regardless of that, one thing above all should matter for Albert: match practice. That is why, alongside appearances for the senior team, matches in the Youth League, the Premier League International Cup, or for the second team are also possible. In any case, his latest performance has improved his standing. “What I saw on Tuesday was very good. And it justifies him staying in the first-team squad and hoping for more minutes,” Kovac emphasized.

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