Schuster backs Adamu despite goal-scoring drought

The fact that SC Freiburg striker Junior Adamu hasn’t scored in his last seven competitive fixtures has led many German football watchers to argue that the 23-year-old be given a break. After bagging a brace in a round three win over VfL Bochum, the eight-times capped Austrian international has failed to find the back of the net.

Adamu famously counted as a massive transfer flop in Breisgau, barely featuring under former SCF trainer Christian Streich. Newly-appointed head-coach Julian Schuster has nevertheless backed him since the striker opened up the start of competitive play with a brace in the opening round Pokal victory over Osnabrück.

Competition for Adamu’s starting spot in Schuster’s 4-2-3-1 remains fierce. Veteran strikers Michael Gregoritsch and Lucas Höler – both of whom featured prominently under Streich – arguably deserve a shot. Both Gregortisch and Höler netted seven league goals apiece last season. Gregortisch added five in the Europa League.

Speaking at a Wednesday presser ahead of Friday’s Bundesliga fixture against Union Berlin, Schuster went into great detail about why he still trusted Adamu to lead the line. Even if Adamu hasn’t managed to score recently, the SCF gaffer noted that he valued a striker’s defensive work just as much as his goal-scoring prowess.

“Among other things, our strikers are also measured by the fact that they defend for us,” Schuster said, “Of course I know, and so does Junior, that there is room for improvement with the ball. But I also observe development in the way he marks his opponent and keeps them in his lane.”

Schuster noted that Adamu was only denied a goal in Sunday’s scoreless draw with Mainz by a great save from keeper Robin Zentner. Schuster also had words of praise to offer for both Höler and Gregoritsch. The former did start behind Adamu in the ten slot during the Pokal victory and scored. Höler could conceivably start at ten behind Adamu. A formation change might even see Adamu slide back behind Höler and Gregoritsch. 

“I’m satisfied with Gregoritsch’s commitment off the ball,” Schuster said, Of course it can help in Berlin if you have two players like that who can put in the kind of effort that Luci [Höler] and Junior do.”

“Luci puts in a lot of effort into his game and is understandably unhappy,” Schuster continued, “We’re lucky to have him in the squad. He’s eager and focused. I see his flexibility and know I can turn to him. It’s about being ready when the chance comes.”