Lyon test hints at future: Philippe v Sahiti for HSV’s right flank! | OneFootball

During the previous preparations, Rayan Philippe was always set as a regular player. However, the Frenchman is facing strong competition from Emir Sahiti.

Rayan Philippe is still the most expensive new signing of this HSV summer. The 24-year-old transferred from Eintracht Braunschweig to Hamburg for around 2.5 million euros. In the past second division season, he drew attention with 13 goals and six assists. Additionally, he scored an important goal in the relegation match against 1. FC Saarbrücken.

His debut at HSV was also promising: A first test match in Elstorf seemed to confirm his immediate key role. With a goal and three assists, the Frenchman made a real impact!

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Duel between Philippe and Sahiti

However, the hype around Philippe has somewhat subsided. Three weeks later, it's clear: The versatile offensive player has to fight harder for his place in the starting lineup than initially assumed. Because Emir Sahiti, the established right winger in the past promotion second half, is noticeably pushing forward in training and test matches. Especially in the games against Copenhagen (0:1) and Graz (1:2), the Kosovar impressed with his enthusiasm and commitment. He also set up a goal for Robert Glatzel with a perfect cross.

The playing style of HSV under coach Merlin Polzin is clearly structured according to a Bild report: The right wingers are expected to frequently move into the center, allowing Dompé to cover the entire width of the left side. Philippe, with his strong left foot, is ideally suited for such a role. Sahiti, on the other hand, often acts as a disguised playmaker and also frequently moves into the center.

Although Philippe was always in the starting formation in the first tests, he is under scrutiny before the upcoming duel with Olympique Lyon: The competition with Sahiti will be definitively opened against the French top club!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.