Werder Bremen coach Daniel Thioune has publicly backed striker Eren Dinkci, emphasising that his value to the team extends beyond just scoring goals. The 52-year-old's comments come after self-critical remarks from the 24-year-old loanee, who returned to the club from SC Freiburg at the end of August for personal reasons. The team currently sits 7th in the Bundesliga with 8 points, which leaves them five points behind the league leaders.
Thioune highlighted the defensive work rate of his forwards as key to their solid start. He said his attacking players are extremely hard-working defensively and very tactically disciplined. The Werder boss added that Dinkci had contributed to the points gathered so far and is a total team player who does not need to define himself by goals.
Dinkci, whose partner is suffering from leukaemia and who wanted to return to Bremen, had been critical of his own performances. The attacker said his performances so far have been solid to good, but not yet what he hopes for. He missed pre-season and is still working on security and creativity in his game.
The Green-Whites sit in the upper third of the table after five matchdays. Their record shows two wins, two draws and one loss, reflecting their recent form of two wins, two draws and one loss from the last five games. They have scored 10 goals and conceded 10 in the league this season. The team's most successful scorer is currently Niclas Füllkrug, who has four goals in five appearances. Their next fixture is at home to SC Paderborn on Saturday 17 October, with the visitors currently sitting 15th in the table.
Thioune still sees further potential in Dinkci. The coach said the player can still improve physically and gain more stability. He added that they are small details and that they still see a lot of potential in him. After a brief substitute appearance on the opening matchday, Dinkci started the following four games, impressing mainly with his work rate and tactical understanding. His only goal since returning came in a home game in early September.
That result followed a heavy defeat to Twente and a win against Augsburg. Ahead of the home game against Paderborn, a side they drew with last season, the mood in the squad remains positive. Thioune continues to trust in the development of his loan striker, who can focus on sport in his daily life. Dinkci's next chance to impress on the pitch comes on Saturday afternoon.
This story first appeared at Bild Sport
