FCSP's SUMMER RECRUITMENTS - The Impressions So Far...

FCSP's SUMMER RECRUITMENTS

The Impressions So Far...

St. Pauli invested heavily in the summer of 2019 bringing in a mixture of players to resolve an all-too-familiar injury plagued squad, as well as replacing those who had departed during the window. Jos Luhukay linked-up with familiar faces, whilst also being introduced to new and lesser-known talent. From a Welsh international, to a pair of Seagulls, I have taken a look at the Kiezkickers latest additions and how they have impacted the 19/20 season so far.

James Lawrence (on loan from R.S.C Anderlecht)

The 27-year-old made his debut against Holstein Kiel only 4 days after his loan move from R.S.C. Anderlecht. Scoring a header in the game, the Welsh international impressed almost instantly, replacing the injured Christopher Avevor perfectly. A questionable signing seeing as very few had heard of the English-born centre-back. Comfortable with both feet and composed under pressure, Lawrence seems incredibly suited to playing at this level. His time spent learning the role throughout Europe has formed a nice player, with this move to St. Pauli highlighting Lawrence's adaptability and professionalism. In my opinion, Lawrence has been the most surprising, yet most effective signing of Luhukay's time in Hamburg - A perfect mould of the greatly missed Avevor.

Viktor Gyokeres (on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

On loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, St. Pauli acquired the services of one of Sweden's attacking prospects on loan until the end of the 19/20 campaign. Having proven of his quality during his time at IF Brommopojkarna in Sweden, the 21-year-old looks like he may have a promising future ahead of him. Whether he makes it to Premier League quality is yet to be proven, but his current spell in a brown jersey suggests he will be returning to the South Coast with a handful of goals to his name. The young Swede almost reminds me of a young Edin Dzeko, able to find space in the box, clawing at any chance which he sees potential in. So far the loanee has proved to be a decent addition, though not having a massive amount of game time to his name this season.

Borys Tashchy (signed from MSV Duisburg)

The Ukranian has had a tough footballing career so far, having been plagued by injury for a large duration of his time as a professional. Things struggled to really lift-off for the 26-year-old during his spell at VfB Stuttgart, a time at which Tashchy was really hoping to progress. Luhukay worked with the centre-forward during this period and clearly saw something in the target-man. We definitely haven't seen the best of Tashchy, but the question is -'how good CAN he be?'. An unappealing signing, considering his injury history and one which has yet to pay-off.

Rico Benatelli (signed from Dynamo Dresden) - N/A

Matt Penney (on loan from Sheffield Wednesday)

The full-back who joined from Luhukay's previous employers is a favourite amongst many. Despite being sent-off on his debut, the 21-year-old has really been thrown into the deep end. Penney shows all the signs of a good modern full-back - predominantly attacking, with the capability to defend when called upon. Even though the youngster has his flaws, he has adapted well to intense atmospheres and looks comfortable playing a more defensive role or hitting the opposition higher up the field. Wednesday have the option to recall him in the New Year but I'm sure St. Pauli fans will be hoping to get a full season from the rookie.

Leo Ostigard (on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion)

Another one from the South Coast, Ostigard joins for the current season only, returning at the end of the campaign. The Norwegian made his first start in the surprising 2-0 win against Hamburg. At just 19-years-old the centre-back has filled-in nicely when called upon. He has made mistakes and definitely has room to improve, but he stands strong and hasn't been afraid to prove of his quality. The defender could have a big future ahead of himself, permitting he can iron-out these defensive hiccups and develop as a leader at the back.

Youba Diarra - (on loan from Red Bull Salzburg)

One of our more technically gifted players acquired is Youba Diarra. The Malian scored in the friendly against Werder Bremen with a wonderful 30-yard strike. He has played a lot of his football so far starting on the bench, so we probably haven't seen a fair representation of the talented African youngster. Whilst able to confidently pass the ball anywhere with a wide variety of styles, Diarra can spread play effectively and is a good engine to have in a dynamic, creative midfield - A nice addition to possess in the latter stages of a gruelling game.

It will be interesting to see what happens in January, with an ever-existing injury problem and a roller coaster of a season so far. I can't see much strengthening required, but it's too hard to predict the next handful of games, yet alone 3 months from this. Either way, it looks like St. Pauli, with Luhukay have recruited quite well, with most players adding something to a talent-filled squad.