“Few better nines in Germany.”

After German striker Mërgim Berisha scored his third goal in as many games – the game-winner, as it turns out, against Leverkusen last night, FC Augsburg trainer Enrico Maaßen reiterated that the former German youth international should be part of the German national team discussion. 

When Augsburg loanee Mërgim Berisha began coming into form last autumn, the discussion about potentially including him in Hansi Flick’s World Cup squad began. German football enthusiasts knowing full well that their national team needed more “classic nines” to at the very least come off the bench were certainly in favor of the 13-times-capped Germany U21 international getting a look. Even if Niclas Füllkrug’s ultimate nomination was more deserved, Berisha remained on the radar.

Back from the World Cup break, Berisha has scored three goals in the three matches in which he’s participated. The south-east Bavarian native has actually scored all three of Augsburg’s last three goals. A headed finish off a corner proved the difference against Leverkusen last night. The Fenerbahçe-loanee has now netted six tallies and racked up ten scorer points for the Fuggerstädter this season. Augsburg have Berisha to thank directly for the six points picked up in the new calendar year.

“I think there are few better nines in Germany,” FCA trainer Enrico Maaßen said of Berisha when speaking to the DAZN microphones last night, “You can see what finishing quality he has; with the left, with the right, with his head. He’s an exceptional player in the box. He’s improved mightily [this year].”

The 24-year-old himself, obviously in a jovial mood, answered questions about his national team prospects calmly. Berisha laughed off the query and praised his team first. Berisha spoke of the squad “sticking to its principles”. Naturally, he noted that first cap at senior level for his country wouldn’t be bad either.

“The only things I can influence are 100 percent effort and maximum results,” Berisha said, “He [Hansi Flick] decides that [national team call-ups], but of course I would be happy about a nomination.”

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