Strong derby showing: has HSV’s unlucky Soumahoro finally found his feet? | OneFootball

Just a few days ago, Aboubaka Soumahoro experienced an absolute nightmare evening in the DFB-Pokal. Then, against Bremen, he was a completely unexpected inclusion in the starting lineup—and he did a solid job.

Only four days separated deep frustration from boundless jubilation at Hamburger SV. Right in the middle was Aboubaka Soumahoro. The 20-year-old defender may have experienced his very own turning point at HSV during the northern derby against Werder Bremen (3:2).

After his unfortunate penalty miss in the DFB-Pokal exit against Holstein Kiel, Soumahoro faced heavy criticism online. But instead of protecting the youngster by taking him out of the firing line, coach Merlin Polzin deliberately chose the opposite approach: he put Soumahoro in the starting eleven. This show of confidence paid off. “Abou is a cool guy,” Polzin explained. “The penalty was there to learn from. And he put that into practice straight away.”

Nur die Raute – All the latest news about HSV

HSV: Soumahoro impresses in possession

Indeed, Soumahoro delivered a remarkably mature performance in the heated duel with Werder. Time and again, the young Frenchman moved from his left defensive side into the center, actively took part in building up play, and offered himself bravely. His 93 percent pass completion rate over 38 touches highlights the technical quality that many had not previously credited him with.

He also played a crucial role in helping to neutralize Bremen’s attacking power in the center early on through solid positioning. Only in direct duels did things not quite work out—Soumahoro lost both of his ground challenges.

He also remained inconspicuous in the attacking third, but his movements repeatedly opened up space for compatriot Jean-Luc Dompé, whom HSV specifically wanted to get into one-on-one situations. Polzin coached his talent intensively, and Soumahoro implemented what was required. After 58 minutes, he was replaced by regular starter Miro Muheim, who contributed decisively to the derby victory with a direct assist and a pre-assist.

Muheim will likely start again in Hoffenheim. But after a botched Bundesliga debut in Munich (0:5) and the cup drama against Kiel, it now seems that Soumahoro has truly arrived in Hamburg.

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