Hertha Berlin proving it belongs among league's elite
When Hertha Berlin shockingly dismantled Bayern Munich 2-0 back on Match Day 6, it was truly one of most surprising results of the season to date in September.
Four months later, that result still stands among the more eye-opening efforts of any Bundesliga team. But really, should it have been?
Bayern, of course, is the league's resident juggernaut from year-to-year, but Die Alte Dame played that game like the Bavarians were a bunch of beer leaguers from Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Hertha Berlin played with zero fear, zero caution, and was not intimidated in the least. That game served as a lesson for 42-year-old Hungarian coach Pal Dardai and his team...Hertha didn't need to park the bus or hope to just earn a point; Hertha was legit.
While the next four months have been filled with a couple of brief lulls, Die Alte Dame has embraced that fearless mentality to make itself a true contender for a top six position -- which would put Hertha Berlin back in European football for the third time in four years.
Among the players who embody the culture that Dardai has promoted are wily veteran Vedad Ibisevic, a 34-year-old from Bosnia and Herzegovina, scrappy 27-year-old Australian Matthew Leckie, 27-year-old Germany international Marvin Plattenhardt, and 24-year-old Slovakian forward Ondrej Duda.
In addition, Hertha has 20-year-old defensive midfielder Arne Maier, who is considered by many to have world-class talent. The mix of veterans and youth, along with the squad's combined experience and exuberance, has translated into a spirited and rugged bunch in front of goalkeeper Rune Jarstein.
While Hertha's offensive attack has focused on the raw talent of Duda, who has nine goals and three assists in 20 games across all competitions, and Ibisevic, who has 10 goals and two assists in 21 games across all competitions, the team is much more than just two players at the top of the formation.
21-year-old Maximilian Mittelstadt and 23-year-old Niklas Stark have shown promise defensively, while Salomon Kalou, Valentino Lazaro, and Davie Selke have also contributed to the team's success.
Hertha has been especially tough at home where the squad has four wins, four draws, and just one loss. Die Alte Dame has not been a slouch on the road either, as it has five wins, one draw, and three losses.
With a tough match this weekend against Wolfsburg and then a DFB-Pokal showdown with Bayern next Wednesday, Hertha Berlin's depth and mentality will be put the test.
If this season has taught us anything, however, it's that Die Alte Dame won't be an easy out for anyone.
