After a strong start to training camp, new Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Adi Hütter has declared himself impressed with the work of Germany U21 fullback Elias Baum. The 20-year-old’s potential – as evidenced by the fact that plenty of other Bundesliga clubs have expressed interest in him – was never in doubt.
Despite all the attention, however, Baum only made a smattering of matchday squads last season. Baum made just five substitute appearances last year; nearly all of them as a late “time killing” sub. This season could very well be different.
Will Elias Baum make a Bundesliga breakthrough?
The personnel situation at Eintracht would certainly suggest so. The departures of Nathaniel Brown (Bayern Munich) and Rasmus Kristensen (FC Midtjylland) leave the RheinMainAdler in need of reinforcements on both flanks. Frankfurt’s famously woeful defense last year means the team still requires all the assistance it can get.
Though he primarily features on the right, Baum has some experience working the left-hand-side vacated by Brown. Baum can also play a little higher up on the right, perhaps working as an excellent point man for the struggling Nnamdi Collins.
Baum – valued at €4m – continues to attract interest both within the Bundesliga and abroad. Sport Bild reports that talks over a move to Ajax have been put on hold due to Baum’s strong training camp. Frankfurt themselves are pumping the brakes on their own search for a new right back whilst giving Baum another look.
Adi Hütter’s statement on Baum
“Elias has power, punch, and drive,” Hütter told Sport Bild. “That’s why I’m not surprised that other clubs are interested in him. He’s a workhorse and always covers ground. He needs to channel that into more tangible results, especially when it comes to crosses.”
GGFN | Peter Weis
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