Maurice Krattenmacher has made Elversberg’s bench a source of goals. The 21-year-old has scored three times in four Bundesliga appearances after arriving from Bayern Munich, and his case for a first start could strengthen at Union Berlin.
Key takeaways
- Krattenmacher has scored three goals in 141 Bundesliga minutes, averaging one every 47 minutes.
- All three goals came after substitutions, the best return by any substitute in Europe’s top five leagues so far.
- He struck twice in Elversberg’s 4-3 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach and scored against Bayern Munich in a 2-1 defeat.
- Cole Campbell’s late return from United States duty could open a place on the left for Krattenmacher against Union.
- Tom Zimmerschied is fit again after a long-term back problem and adds another option in the wide attacking positions.
A starter’s case at Union
Krattenmacher missed part of pre-season with muscle trouble and began the campaign behind Campbell and Lukas Petkov on the wings. He has responded sharply from the bench.
The Munich-born attacker was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for September and Player of Matchday 2. He also collected Elversberg’s man-of-the-match award in Gladbach and against Bayern. His goal against Bayern was a standout finish.
“Reaching the Bundesliga and scoring there is naturally a childhood dream,” Krattenmacher said. “I am happy to help the team, even as a substitute.”
Coach Vincent Wagner sees more than a specialist replacement. His arithmetic was deliberately optimistic: three goals in four games would project to about 26 across a 34-match season. “I doubt he can maintain that rate, but it would be nice,” Wagner said.
Wagner also rejected an early comparison with Nils Petersen, the Bundesliga’s record substitute scorer with 34 goals from the bench. Petersen spent two years contracted to Bayern before going on loan to Werder Bremen. Krattenmacher likewise had Bayern ties, with loan spells at SSV Ulm 1846 and Hertha BSC.
At Hertha last season, Krattenmacher started six times in the second division and scored once. His impact in the top flight has therefore come as a surprise, but not as a reason for Elversberg to limit him to late appearances.
Selection pressure after the break
Zimmerschied has returned to contention after using the extended international break to rebuild fitness. The 28-year-old was a regular on Elversberg’s left side during the promotion season but had been sidelined since summer by persistent back issues. He played in the 3-2 friendly win over Hoffenheim.
He carries the advantage of two years working within Elversberg’s system. If the internationals return without fresh problems, Wagner has five high-level choices for three attacking roles behind the striker. Francis Onyeka is the exception, with the Germany Under-21 player managing an ankle issue.
Wagner questioned the international calendar, noting that some players will still be in action on Wednesday before Elversberg’s Bundesliga trip to Union three days later.
Felix Keidel, unused by Germany, was able to leave on Sunday. Thailand’s Nicholas Mickelson travelled back on Monday. Petkov, away with Bulgaria, and Germany Under-21 pair Noah Darvich and Onyeka were still playing on Tuesday.
Campbell faced the latest turnaround. The United States winger played Canada in a 1-0 win early on Wednesday morning in Germany, leaving travel and jet lag as factors before Union. That may give Krattenmacher a clear route into Wagner’s starting side.
