Champions League: “Freigeist” with a new discipline: ADEYEMI shines at BVB

Karim Adeyemi clapped his hands motivated and laughed. The German international was not spoiled for the mood in front of the Champions League duel with Athletic Bilbao from the cloudy-nebelable Dortmund autumn weather. No wonder: it works at Adeyemi. The 23-year-old is one of the big winners of the convincing BVB season start.

Despite the most recently praise from the teammates and from the vicinity of Borussia Dortmund, the arrow -fast attacker remains modest. “I have now played five games quite well. But you can’t say yet, that is constant,” he said after the 2-0 win on Saturday in the Bundesliga at FSV Mainz 05. “I definitely need more games that go.”

Adeyemi has learned to defend under Kovac

In the last three games, ADEYEMI shone as a scorer. What he had with the ball, in one-on-one and in front of the goal, he showed again and again in the past seasons. In the past, outstanding games also regularly followed longer phases in which Adeyemi acted inconspicuously and could not call up his class.

The fact that he has been working differently this season is a reason why he enjoys a completely new status at his club and BVB fans – but not the only one.

Under coach Niko Kovac, who attaches great importance to discipline and defending together, Adeyemi has developed enormously. The fine technician, who actually sees himself more as a “free spirit”, works much more consistently with BVB than in its early years. He seems to have understood that only together and sustainable success is possible.

Complete meetings with Nico Williams

“We have a good run now because we are very good. But the trainer also expects us to do that,” said Adeyemi. “Maybe he would be more concerned that we all have to defend – that’s why things are going so well.” In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund did not lose 13 games in a row across the season. Most recently, BVB also won four times in a row in the league.

The Westphalia also gains exceptional footballer Nico Williams against Bilbao this Wednesday (9 p.m./DAZN), Dortmund would also be on course in the premier class with four points after two games. At the start there was a spectacular 4: 4 at Juventus Turin.

Rumors about Barça interest

Adeyemi also met in Italy. The important role of the Munich -born, who came from Salzburg three years ago, now plays at the Revierclub, is also evident next to the square. The mostly well -placed outdoor striker now often gives interviews after the games, represents the team to the outside world.

First and foremost, it is of course his achievements that stand out. Again and again there are rumors about possible adhesives from abroad. FC Barcelona is said to have an eye on him with the former national coach Hansi Flick.

“Of course we will have to stretch to keep such players,” said sports director Sebastian Kehl recently in the “current sports studio” of the ZDF to Adeyemi, but also to other coveted Dortmunders like Nico Schlotterbeck. ADEYEMIS Treaty at the Revierclub still applies until 2027.

Incidentally, the fact that despite his outstanding form does not succeed in training it became clear in training. When ADEYEMI tried to elegantly accept a high passport with the hoe, the ball made it clear. “Hoppala,” commented Adeyemi casually and smiled.