Commentary on the Bundesliga
Engaging in commentary about the Bundesliga every week is an absolute delight for various reasons. Chief among them is the excitement of reporting on one of the most offensively dynamic leagues in the world. Recently, I’ve been pondering the league’s most formidable strikers this season. This list reflects my personal viewpoint based solely on performances in the Bundesliga, and there might be a few surprising entries.
Top Strikers of the Season
Harry Kane stands out as a phenomenal addition to the German league. The England captain exudes an effortless brilliance, approaching the game with a mindset that conveys enjoyment, as if to say, “This is my purpose, and I’m relishing every moment in Munich.” Watching him play is a joy, as he consistently finds inventive ways to challenge opposing defenses in a league that he has come to embrace fully. Kane kicked off his campaign with a spectacular performance, netting three goals in a single half during the opener against RB Leipzig, followed by another three-goal showcase against TSG Hoffenheim on Matchday 4. His combined skills as a relentless striker and a skillful playmaker put him significantly ahead in the race for the league’s top scorer, with the potential to shatter Robert Lewandowski’s record of 41 goals in a single season.
Another standout is the talented 23-year-old French international, Michael Olise. Much like the legendary Arjen Robben during his peak years at Bayern Munich, Olise has a knack for cutting in from the right onto his favored left foot, and defenders struggle to anticipate and counteract his moves. He opened the scoring in the season’s first match against Leipzig, netting two goals during that game. Olise continued his impressive form with a further two goals in a stunning 6-2 comeback victory over SC Freiburg, after Bayern found themselves down by two goals early on. His contributions are not limited to scoring; he is equally adept at assisting, having already tallied six assists this season, showing potential to match or surpass his previous record of 15 assists from the last campaign.
Emerging Talents
In a recent commentary on Eintracht Frankfurt’s narrow 4-3 victory over FC Cologne, I had the honor of sharing insights with Moritz Volz, a former Bundesliga and Premier League player now serving as an assistant coach at Hoffenheim. He pointed out that in terms of scoring prowess and instinct, Mainz’s striker, Jonathan Burkardt, has drawn comparisons to Kane. While Burkardt has not yet reached Kane’s heights, his rapid scoring output, including three braces within five matches, suggests a promising trajectory as he approaches the World Cup in North America at 25 years old.
Meanwhile, young 19-year-old talent, El Mala, is making headlines in Cologne. Dubbed a “golden boy” by coach Lukas Kwasniok, he has quickly made a name for himself following impressive displays in the Bundesliga after being scouted while playing in the third division. El Mala, versatile enough to use both feet, performs best on the left flank and has been utilized sparingly by his coach to manage his development. With his knack for dramatic goals, he almost made a crucial comeback happen against Eintracht after coming off the bench when his team was down 4-1. His talent has already earned him a spot with the senior national team, and he is expected to contribute significantly in future matches.
Another promising young player is Dennis Ouédraogo from Leipzig, who emerged from Schalke’s academy. Since joining the starting lineup, he has made an immediate impact, including becoming the youngest debutant scorer for Germany since 1954, just moments after coming off the bench in a recent match against Slovakia that secured the team’s World Cup qualification. However, his season has taken a turn, as he recently sustained a knee injury during Leipzig’s 2-0 triumph over Werder Bremen. Fans are hopeful for his swift recovery, as his flair is much needed ahead of the World Cup.
