Eintracht Braunschweig - Player Review - CENK SAHIN

ST PAULI - Eintracht Braunschweig

 - PLAYER REVIEW

- Cenk Sahin

Having followed the recent form of the young Turk, I decided to write up a player review on one of St Pauli's most energetic and hardworking individuals, Cenk Sahin. With the 22 year old, who is on a one year loan from Istanbul Başakşehir scoring the Goal of the Month for December, with his cheeky chip against Greuther Furth, I thought this would be a perfect time to take note of how he performs. With high-flying Braunschweig taking on our last place St Pauli, it was always going to be a more than difficult battle for the outfit from Hamburg. However, Braunschweig were claiming the league's second highest goalscorer in Domi Kumbela and the Boys in Brown struggling to find the net in general, but desperate to win, it was always going to be an interesting fixture.

Only a couple minutes in Sahin had his first real run with the ball. He flew past Braunschweig's young right back Maximilian Sauer. A nicely whipped ball was offered to anyone lurking in the 6 yard box, but neither Thy or Sobota were quick enough to take up on Sahin's offer. Thy, nonetheless grateful of his efforts as he chases the loose ball manages to a corner following the ball played by Sahin. From the following corner, captain Sobiech lifted himself higher than the rest to collect St Pauli's third away goal of the season. A highly celebrated goal, especially for the travelling fans who hadn't had a lot to cheer about so far this season.

A couple minutes later Sahin impressed again. Another picking up of the ball in his own half this time. Taking on a handful of Braunschweig players, the 5'10'', Turkish u21 international definitely doesn't lack in acceleration and power. Travelling over 50 yards with the ball, he wins his team a corner, once more pushing his team forward.

Numerous times St Pauli's number 22 collected the loose ball and forced the team on the offence. Even if he did lose the ball he ensured that Braunschweig would not benefit from that by applying a constant pressure, chasing the ball he had given away. Frequently swapping wings also allowed him to test out each full back, offering options for new loanee courtesy of Freiburg, Daehli who enjoyed having the availability on both sides of the pitch, the two playing together were a nice collaboration.

The same was happening in the second half, as many times Sahin looked to expose the defence of Braunschweig again. His balance whilst being pushed off the ball was admirable. On occasion his final ball in could have been more threatening. Several times Thy had actually peeled off from the centre halves and Sahin would have only have had to look up to identify the only target. His pressing was great and it helped the defence a lot as any threat from the home team was instantly dismissed by the team as a whole, but Sahin definitely helped by starting further up the pitch.

Not as many notable points for the young talent in the later of the second half other than when the second goal of the day arrived. Much from nowhere, Braunschweig got themselves caught pushing too high and as the away team cleared their lines, they were suddenly on the counter attack. An ambitious ball actually found Sahin on the half way line as a tired and lackluster slide allowed St Pauli's maestro on a free run at goal with only Jasmin Fejzic in the net to beat. Sahin gained his composure and calmly slotted the ball underneath to secure a second for St Pauli. A chance well taken, and a goal which could mean a lot for the struggling St Pauli.

In the dying minutes of the game Sahin was replaced by Neudecker. A great performance by the youngster who is making his mark at the club. The travelling fans applauded a vital performance which could tip the scales and push the Hamburg team towards picking up essential points, hopefully keeping their chances of escaping the relegation battle they're currently snared in. Lets see how the next few games turn out, with players like Daehli and Flum bolstering the middle of the squad. A more than significant appearance from the Turk who really did shine in this tough fight. Hopefully, more to follow.




Hope you all enjoyed the read, Thanks,

Tom Trump