St. Pauli under Luhukay - The Prospects

St. Pauli under Luhukay - The Prospects

Since the arrival of manager Jos Luhukay, St. Pauli's starting XI has been chopped and changed following the downward spiral to the closing of the season. The squad plagued by fatigue and injury, any (despite it being minuscule) hope of promotion was inevitably waved away. Luhukay, limited to player selection turned to a blossoming reserve team for assets. As the long, once-hopeful season came to a close, younger and lesser-known faces were called up to the team, in hope to excite and renovate the struggling St. Pauli. Here we look at a handful of those who stepped up to the plate at the end of the 2018/19 season, analysing what future they may have at the club...

Finn Ole Becker (5 league appearances)

The 18-year-old is the youngest on this list. Born in the year 2000, the former St. Pauli II player has featured in just a handful of games this season. In his 5 appearances the midfielder has amassed a surprising 4 yellow cards, of which 2 were returned as a red card away against Heidenheim. Becker is a very technically-gifted player who has adapted to the professional game well, despite his poor disciplinary record. A great passer of the ball, Becker has shown his potential as a youngster with impressive creativity and precision. Experience will only do him good, alongside a physical and busy midfield. St. Pauli's prodigy is already looking like he will be a name to remember, his ability just needs to be harnessed and opportunity given.

Kevin Lankford (5 league appearances)

The ex-Heidenheim midfielder arrived at St. Pauli in die Winterpause. The German-American has not really had a chance to prove of his quality. An eager 20-year-old who has had all of his playtime following the appointment of Jos Luhukay. Offering a more physical threat out wide, the midfielder hasn't really been given the opportunity to showcase his ability. Now with the number 7 shirt, Lankford will really want to establish himself as a first-team regular. A hardworking and aggressive player, the newcomer could really help add to a often one-dimensional midfield. Lankford will likely be called upon by the new boss when the new season arrives, he could be a crucial addition to the squad, substitute or starter.

Luis Coordes  (2 league appearances)

Both of Coordes' appearances this season have come from the bench. Another fresh-faced addition to the 2018/19 squad. Only making his professional debut in the game against Bochum in mid-may, the skilful winger has yet to really have a chance to showcase his class. During the short amount of time we have seen the 20-year-old on the pitch, we have seen eagerness and bundles of pace. He's a very modern winger, playing with an exciting amount of energy alongside some tricky footwork. I can see him being loaned out next year, I don't believe he's going to be ready for first-team action just yet, but we'll see what the summer holds for the Dominican-German.

Brian Koglin (2 league appearances)

A centre-half, again developed from St. Pauli II, Koglin has earned his place in the first-team. With 75 appearances in the Regionalliga Nord, the 22-year-old has developed as a regular for the reserves. His last game was for the first team against Greuther Fürth, it was cut-short following a red card in the second-half. A harsh decision, but one the trainee centre-half must learn from. He will face direct competition from Carstens for first-team appearances next year. Carstens with the more experience and greater physical qualities may be preferred, but an untested Koglin could end up being St. Pauli's future at the back. Koglin will need to impress and be heard if he is to get the attention of an intrigued Luhukay.

Svend Brodersen (2 league appearances)

The 'apprentice' goalkeeper made his first-team debut in a tricky game against Köln, away from home. Despite conceding 4 in that game, the experienced reserve team shot-stopper actually had a decent game against a strong Köln side. Considering the occasion and lack of preparation (due to a late call-up to the starting XI, following an injured Himmelmann), the 22-year-old will be looking to learn under an impressive 'first-choice' goalkeeper. Brodersen has buckets of experience, having been a regular for St. Pauli II since 2015. He'll be looking forward to next season, the young goalkeeper should be looking to feature in a handful of 2019/20 fixtures, assisting the forever reliable Himmelmann. None of Brodersen's appearances have come under the reign of Luhukay, it will be hard to budge a very consistent and highly qualified teammate.

Florian Carstens (18 league appearances)

Carstens has a significant amount of appearances to his short St. Pauli professional career. He has scored on his debut season, in a 2-0 win against Greuther Fürth. Another one who has earned their rights through the reserve team, the centre-back needed to learn fast. At just 20-years-old, Carstens towers above many, standing at 6'3". A very physical and energetic part of the back-line, the hard-hitting defender has already shown what he has to offer at this level. Given his age and what he could become, he is certainly one-to-watch for the following season. Despite his rather frequent mistakes, playing regularly will only give him confidence and a chance to iron-out those novice errors.

*Appearance statistics taken from www.soccerbase.com