West London Sport I think he’ll score goals’ – German football expert on QPR’s signing
03/07/2015
By Andrew Raeburn
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QPR have been quick to revamp their squad after relegation from the top flight, and their latest addition is striker Seabstian Polter from Mainz.
The 24-year-old has agreed a three-year deal at Loftus Road but those who weren’t watching his loan spell at Union Berlin in the German second tier last season may know little about him.
Bundesliga commentator and writer Kevin Hatchard spoke to
West London Sport about Polter’s background and what QPR fans can expect.
Leads the line
At almost six foot four, Polter has all the characteristics of a target man but Hatchard believes there is more to his game.
He said: “Polter is a hard-working striker who is willing to make runs and challenge for headers.
“He is strong in the air, but his ability to hold the ball up means he can also bring other players into the game.
“And, as he showed in his recent spell with Union Berlin (14 goals in 29 games), he is a composed finisher.”
Taught by Tuchel
Polter has benefited from the tuition of Thomas Tuchel, whose work at Mainz made him one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe. After a sabbatical, Tuchel replaced Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund but part of his legacy at Mainz can be seen in Polter’s ability to fit into any team shape, says Hatchard.
He said: “If you spend any time playing for Thomas Tuchel, you get used to being tactically flexible.
“For example, Polter should have no trouble playing either on his own or in a partnership.”
England might suit him
Polter has chosen to break away from Mainz just as they have sold the man who was keeping him out of the side, Shinji Okazaki, to Leicester City.
He played 13 Bundesliga games for Mainz, without scoring, but Hatchard believes last season’s successful loan spell and the style of football in the Championship will give him the confidence to get back among the goals.
Hatchard added: “He struggled to get sufficient game time at the highest level, and at Mainz he was stuck behind Okazaki, who at the time was one of German football’s most consistent strikers.
“The physical nature of the Championship will suit him, and he already speaks good English, so that will be very helpful. He won’t find the pace of the English game hard to adjust to.
“If he gets a good run in the team and gets good service, I think he’ll score goals.”
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