Kovac praises emerging star: “We’ve made a good catch there!” | OneFootball

“Sensational! As long as his energy held out – he’s in top physical shape, but if you don’t have continuity, you can get cramps after 70 minutes – he made a very, very assured impression: very confident, very strong in the tackle,” said Niko Kovac about Aaron Anselmino, who was only signed at the beginning of the week. The 20-year-old Argentinian was thrown into the starting line-up due to the suspension of Filippo Mane, the injury-related absences of Nico Schlotterbeck, Emre Can and Niklas Süle, and Julian Ryerson’s injury, which has not yet fully healed. After two minutes at the Club World Cup for Chelsea, the talented defender made his first start for a European club.

His performance statistics were impressive: Anselmino won 58% of his tackles (third-best on the team), completed 96% of his passes (best among the starting line-up) and reached a top speed of 33.1 km/h (third-best on the team). What the statistics don’t show is his vision before the important goal that made it 2-0, which he initiated with a pass to Guirassy. Kovac on Anselmino: “We’ve made a good catch there!”

After his debut, the Argentine answered questions in an interview with BVB TV.

How nervous were you?I don't know if I was nervous, but I was definitely a little on edge. I haven't played in a long time, and this opportunity I've been given is truly incredible. The stadium is wonderful, the fans are incredible, so I'm very happy, happy about the team's victory. My teammates worked very hard, so I'm very satisfied. And now it's time to celebrate and rest, because there are more games to come.

You made some strong tackles in the second half. The stadium cheered. Did you feel more confident with every minute that passed?To be honest, I felt a bit more confident in the second half. I think that's normal, it was the first game. When I play, I want to give everything for the club. I think that's what sets me apart. I'm really happy and grateful that we won.

What did Niko Kovac say to you when you were substituted?He told me that I had done very well. I apologised for my calf cramps. He told me not to worry, that it was my first game and I had done very well. That was very encouraging.

How did you find the atmosphere in the stadium?It's really unbelievable. Serhou Guirassy had already told me it would be like that. The fans are truly unbelievable. (br)