Shock at HSV: will Lemke start the season as first choice? | OneFootball

Just a few weeks ago, HSV talent Louis Lemke was mainly focused on soaking up as many impressions as possible during preseason.

But now, a completely different question is being asked: Could the 16-year-old actually head into the new season as a starter after his strong performances? According to information from Bild, this scenario is now considered a very realistic possibility. Lemke could even be in the starting lineup for the DFB Cup match at SC Verl on August 24.

The reason for this is not only the still unresolved future of Miro Muheim, whose contract expires next summer. The Swiss player only returned late from the World Cup and is currently still behind in training. Above all, though, Lemke has made an impressive impact with the opportunity that opened up due to Muheim’s absence.

Photo: IMAGO

In the friendly against OSC Lille (2:2), the homegrown player once again confirmed the strong impression he has made over the past few weeks. Against the French Champions League side, Lemke impressed both offensively and defensively. On several occasions, he drew applause from the crowd at the Volksparkstadion with bold dribbles and clever body feints. At the same time, he showed remarkably mature positioning against opponents who were clearly much more physically robust.

HSV likely to make a transfer only if Muheim leaves

That coach Merlin Polzin gave the teenager a full 90 minutes against Lille was no coincidence. In fact, Lemke is now the HSV professional with the most playing time in the current preseason. The left-back is also regularly one of the standout players in training. On top of that, he often puts in extra sessions with captain Nicolai Remberg.

That has completely changed the discussion about his role as well. At the start of the summer, it was still unclear whether Lemke would even become the number two option on the left flank. By now, even the original idea of signing an additional challenger for Muheim seems far less urgent than it did a few weeks ago. According to Bild, HSV would only enter the transfer market if the 28-year-old were to leave the club this summer. As for Lemke, he now appears to have secured his place as the first alternative on the left flank – at the very least.

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