Torunarigha reveals HSV’s defensive secret, seventh-best in league | OneFootball

The newly gained defensive stability is one of HSV’s greatest assets in the Bundesliga. The defensive unit works well even with different lineups.

Jordan Torunarigha has had a turbulent few months. The 28-year-old, who joined from KAA Gent in the summer, struggled immensely at the start of the season. Achilles tendon problems sidelined him again after two starts, and for the next three matches, he was only on the bench.

It was only due to injuries to other defenders that he returned to the starting lineup on matchday 10 against Borussia Dortmund. Since then, Torunarigha has been in impressive form—and in many ways, he embodies the development of HSV’s entire defense.

“At the beginning of the season, I had some difficulties and a tough period. I’m happy that I’m getting better and better now,” the left-footer said in the matchday check on HSVtv. However, his standards are higher than his current performance level: “I’m never satisfied. There’s always room for improvement.”

But even now, Torunarigha boasts impressive defensive stats. With a tackle success rate of 62.7 percent, he ranks 13th in the league. Sitting right at the top is, of all people, his defensive partner Luka Vuskovic with 69.2 percent.

Nur die Raute – All the latest HSV news

HSV posts top defensive stats

The partnership with the only 18-year-old Croatian can rightly be described as the foundation of HSV’s resurgence. “Luka and I have a perfect understanding. He’s a bit like my little brother,” says Torunarigha. The two exchange detailed thoughts on defending, give each other instructions, and supposed hierarchies don’t matter. “I have no problem taking advice from a younger player.”

This harmonious teamwork has long radiated throughout the entire defense. So far, HSV has conceded the seventh-fewest goals in the league—a remarkable feat for a newly promoted team—and also boasts the third-best tackle success rate in the Bundesliga. Torunarigha has a pretty simple explanation for this: “We want to defend every ball as if, figuratively speaking, our lives depended on it.”

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