Jonathan Burkardt, the prolific Eintracht Frankfurt forward, is undoubtedly one of the happiest players in the Bundesliga right now. His recent back-to-back scoring doubles for the Eagles have showcased a striker in exceptional form, drawing significant attention to his capabilities.
The former Mainz star has never experienced such a sensational start to a Bundesliga season. With an impressive six goals in the initial eight games, he has set a new personal best. Achieving consecutive goal-scoring doubles in Germany`s top flight also marks a first for the 25-year-old. Adding to this remarkable run, he has netted three goals in his debut UEFA Champions League season, strongly suggesting that Burkardt could very well be the hottest German striker in the league at present.
His stellar performance, including a brace in the 2-0 victory against St. Pauli on Saturday, perfectly highlighted the Darmstadt native`s attacking prowess. His first goal was an opportunistic finish, capitalizing on a fumble by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to put the Eagles ahead. For his second, he deftly controlled Farès Chaïbi`s cross, demonstrating remarkable strength before executing a clever finish that left the visiting team no chance of a comeback.
(Video Placeholder: Burkardt nets a double against St. Pauli)
A delighted Dino Toppmöller, Eintracht`s coach, commented after the game: “The first one was a typical Jonny goal; he was lurking. For his second, he kept his composure to control the ball and had the class to wait for it to drop and then calmly slot it in.”
Burkardt, with characteristic humility, was quick to credit his teammate Chaïbi, enthusing: “The pass over the defender for the second goal was world class, it came straight to me.”
With eight goals in his last eight competitive appearances for *Die Adler* (The Eagles), Burkardt`s move to his new club is proving to be a resounding success. Having become a recognizable name and a Germany international during his superb – though sometimes injury-plagued – seven senior seasons at Mainz, it`s clear the 05ers are feeling the absence of their former influential captain and top scorer this term.
(Video Placeholder: Burkardt`s brace against Freiburg)
Markus Krösche, Eintracht`s board member for sport, affirmed that Mainz`s loss has certainly been Frankfurt`s gain. “With his intensity, speed, and finishing ability, he’s a perfect fit for us. He’s settled in very well and he’s an important part of the team,” Krösche explained.
Eintracht Frankfurt has a history of embracing dynamic forwards, and Burkardt is the latest in a line of Eagles` striking heroes, following in the footsteps of talents like Luka Jović, Sébastien Haller, André Silva, Randal Kolo Muani, Omar Marmoush, and Hugo Ekitiké. He now lights up the Deutsche Bank Park with his pace and goal-scoring prowess.
Upon his arrival at Eintracht last July, the team`s new number 9 stated: “It was important to me for a club to come and show that they really wanted me; I was impressed with the management’s efforts to sign me.”
His summer declaration to “try and maintain my goals tally by being dangerous in the box and in the final third [while] giving everything I’ve got in all areas of the game to become the best footballer I can be” has been entirely consistent with his actions on the field.
Indeed, Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has also been notably impressed with Burkardt`s form. Nagelsmann not only handed the one-time UEFA European U21 Champion his senior international debut in a UEFA Nations League win against Bosnia last year but has continued to utilize him in the most recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With the next World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada rapidly approaching, Germany`s current top goalscorer in the Bundesliga possesses all the motivation he needs to sustain his superb form for Eintracht Frankfurt and press his claim for a significant role on the international stage.
Rupert Fawcett
