Hertha's goal machine Adewumi in Rangnick's sights
Hertha's breakthrough starter Adewumi is in Rangnick's sights. The Austrian national coach Ralf Rangnick has been watching the youngster more closely after an attacking drive with many goals and professionals who go into every match with enjoyment. In six league matches the winger has already netted three goals.
Adewumi's impressive season start
If you compare the season start with last year's, Hertha BSC supporters find themselves in a parallel world. The away block cheered after the 3:1‑away victory at VfL Osnabrück, and the supporters' euphoria was felt throughout the whole team. Thus the attacking drive, many goals and professionals who go into every match with enjoyment were evident.
The Austrian was Hertha's first new signing, in a summer marked by a sweeping overhaul. In total there were 16 departures, with only four signings for Adewumi – one permanent, three loans. Among the loaned players is the 21‑year‑old, who stands out especially for his speed; last season at Cercle Brügge he was clocked at 37.9 km/h.
No one probably expected such a dream start: five wins in five league games and progression in the DFB‑Cup. Adewumi initially played as an impact sub, then in Osnabrück he was in the starting eleven from the beginning for the first time. He earned many free kicks, including the one in the 50th minute that opened the 1:0 lead through captain Josip Brekalo.
Rangnick's growing attention
Austria's national coach Ralf Rangnick is keeping an eye on Adewumi and called him on Tuesday into the extended squad of the senior national team for the upcoming Nations League matches. There he is on standby for the games against Israel, Kosovo and Ireland. However, he is firmly selected for the U21 side for the Euro qualifying matches against Denmark and Wales.
During the summer preparation, Oluwaseun Adewumi said in an interview with the Berliner Morgenpost that every national player nominates himself with his performances. “If you show good performances, no one in Austria will put stones in your way,” he explained, looking to the future: “I hope my time will also come.”
Thus the euphoria among the supporters remains, while the team will continue to rely on the attacking drive and goal threat of Adewumi as the season progresses. The upcoming international fixtures and U21 qualifying matches will give the youngster further chances to sharpen his focus on the international stage this year.