Burkardt Shines as Frankfurt Faces Liverpool in Champions League

Eintracht Frankfurt gears up for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool, with striker Jonathan Burkardt emerging as a key player. The former Mainz forward is in exceptional form, having scored six goals in his last six matches. His recent achievements include becoming the first German player in over 30 years to score and assist in his Champions League debut against Galatasaray, followed by another goal against Atletico Madrid.

Burkardt’s impressive performance continued with a pair of goals in a recent match against Freiburg, solidifying his reputation as a smart acquisition for Frankfurt. The club has a history of making astute signings, and Burkardt’s arrival appears to be no exception. Last season, he finished as the fourth-highest scorer in the Bundesliga with 18 goals for Mainz, breaking the club’s single-season scoring record previously held by André Schürrle and Shinji Okazaki.

Despite his success, Burkardt’s journey to the national team has faced obstacles. A knee injury sustained against Frankfurt in November 2022 halted his progress, marking a 15-month goal drought. However, his fortunes changed dramatically with the arrival of Bo Henriksen as Mainz’s head coach in February 2024.

“Everything is mentality,” Henriksen said, reflecting on Burkardt’s transformation. Under Henriksen’s guidance, Burkardt scored 24 goals in just 40 Bundesliga appearances, showcasing a remarkable turnaround for both the player and the team. Their collaboration involved a crucial conversation about Burkardt’s role, as he expressed a desire to play as a central striker.

“I asked him, ‘Where do you want to play?'” Henriksen recalled. “He wanted to play as a No 9, as a clear No 9.” By allowing Burkardt to focus on his strengths, he flourished, helping Mainz avoid relegation and ultimately qualify for Europe.

Burkardt’s ability to exploit space and time has been instrumental in his recent success. “He is really, really good at running from deep,” Henriksen noted, emphasizing how this style fits well with Frankfurt’s attacking strategy. Last season, both Hugo Ekitike and Omar Marmoush thrived in similar roles, each netting 15 goals.

As Frankfurt prepares to face Liverpool, Burkardt’s impressive work rate and knack for scoring place him as a player to watch. His growth as a leader and his unwavering belief in his abilities have also contributed to his recent form. The upcoming match against Liverpool will undoubtedly present a significant challenge, but Burkardt’s trajectory suggests he may be the one to shine.

With the World Cup on the horizon, Burkardt has set his sights high, and fans should keep a close watch on him as he continues to impress on the European stage. The spotlight may well be on Burkardt as Frankfurt takes on Liverpool, and his performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated clash.