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Eintracht Frankfurt Eyes Upset Against Tottenham in Europa League Quarter-Finals
As the Europa League quarter-finals approach, Eintracht Frankfurt is poised to challenge Tottenham Hotspur, featuring a line-up that includes a World Cup champion, a promising Premier League prospect, and the fastest player in Bundesliga history. The first leg of the encounter is set for Thursday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a return fixture at Deutsche Bank Park scheduled for April 17.
Tottenham’s aspirations for salvaging their season hinge on securing the Europa League title on May 21 in Bilbao. However, they face a formidable opponent in Frankfurt, currently ranked third in the Bundesliga, which suffered a blow earlier this year with the departure of their key player, Omar Marmoush, who transferred to Manchester City for £63.2 million.
In an exclusive discussion with Sky Sports, Sky in Germany correspondent Dennis Bayer shares insights into the 2022 Europa League winners and highlights the unique challenges they present to Tottenham.
‘Gotze: A Quarterback in Midfield’
Mario Gotze, renowned for scoring the decisive goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup, is now steering the play for Frankfurt. At 32, his experience is invaluable, having amassed over 300 Bundesliga appearances alongside 119 matches in European competitions.
DB: “Mario Gotze has undergone significant development recently, solidifying his role as a central figure in their setup. He’s not just back in form; he’s transformed his game. Once hailed for his explosive speed and dribbling prowess during his early days at Borussia Dortmund, his journey took a detour at Bayern Munich due to a lack of fit and health challenges. His stint at PSV Eindhoven saw him evolve further, and now, at Frankfurt, he’s assumed a more strategic role akin to a quarterback, contributing to both defensive structure and offensive initiation.”
Ekitike: A Target for Premier League Giants
Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, a young star attracting the attention of top Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, aims to showcase his talent against Spurs. The 22-year-old striker has netted 19 goals and provided eight assists across competitions this season, raising questions about his potential move to England this summer.
DB: “Ekitike stands out as one of the Bundesliga’s finest talents—his speed, height, and technical skill make him a formidable asset. Tottenham must contain him to thwart Frankfurt’s offensive threat. There is considerable interest from Premier League sides, and while Frankfurt anticipates his departure at season’s end, his fitness and physical style might raise concerns for potential suitors.”
Bahoya: Bundesliga’s Speed Demon
If Frankfurt’s creativity falters, they have an alternative in Jean-Matteo Bahoya, recognized as the fastest player in Bundesliga history. In a recent match, the 19-year-old reached a stunning speed of 23.09 mph, establishing a new benchmark for the league.
DB: “Bahoya is rapidly ascending as one of the hottest prospects. Arriving from the French second tier for €8 million, he initially faced challenges adjusting to top-flight football. However, this season marks a breakthrough as he not only scored his first two goals but also became the first player to surpass 37km/h. His speed enhances Frankfurt’s already potent counter-attacking strategy, especially as they adapt under Dino Toppmoller’s tactical philosophy.”
Former Premier League Player Looking to Haunt Spurs
Frankfurt has also enlisted the talents of Michy Batshuayi, formerly of Chelsea and Crystal Palace, who joined them in January from Galatasaray. The Belgian striker has netted twice in his first seven appearances.
DB: “Batshuayi was brought in as a direct replacement for Marmoush and has seamlessly integrated into the team. While not expected to be the primary scorer, he provides crucial physical presence in the box, adding depth to their offensive strategy and allowing for greater flexibility and compositional play.”
Additionally, Spurs can expect a defensive challenge from Mathys Tel, a player Frankfurt pursued before his loan to Tottenham from Bayern Munich.
DB: “Frankfurt sought to sign Tel as a solution for their attacking needs, demonstrating the high regard they hold for him. His previous connection to Toppmoller adds a layer of tactical familiarity, showing the interest in potential transfers between the two clubs.”
Atmospheric Challenge Awaits Spurs in Frankfurt
The return leg presents Tottenham with the daunting atmosphere of Deutsche Bank Park, which boasts a capacity of 58,000. This environment could pose significant challenges for the visiting team.
DB: “The stadium is known for its electrifying atmosphere, and if Tottenham struggles to handle this intensity, it could play into Frankfurt’s hands. Their recent form shows promise, and if they maintain peak performance, they could very well advance to the semi-finals, although their consistency has varied recently.”
Source
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