Hertha Berlin's Niklas Stark is making the leap
- Chuck Smith
- Mar 7, 2019
- 2 min read
When a player starts to garner attention for his or her play, it typically starts with some consistently strong effort sand then begins to build momentum when said performances happens on a big stage, against a quality opponent.
Sure, Hertha Berlin center back Niklas Stark has always been an excellent player, but it was not until his standout performance in Die Alte Dame's 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich that the 23-year-old has started to see his name bandied about as a hot commodity on the transfer market and for a spot on the German national team.
Stark is quickly becoming one the most sought after defenders in the Bundesliga and seems keen on making a name for himself on the international soccer scene. Among those allegedly interested in Stark is the Bavarian Giant, Bayern Munich.
In a feature by Bundesliga.com, Stark is described as being on his way to stardom:
A rangy, no-nonsense defensive rock, there's definitely a touch of Javi Martinez about Stark. But while the Bayern Munich battering ram has moonlighted as a center back, Stark has made the permanent switch from a holding midfield role. He played alongside John Brooks during his first two, formative seasons in the capital, and the USA totem pole's influence shines through to this day.
Stark is strong - as his German surname suggests - in the tackle, commanding in the air, a fine distributor of the ball and a threat in the opposition penalty box. The Wall of Brooks has been rebuilt in Wolfsburg, but the Stark Shield is a firm fixture in Berlin.
Stark's performance is not just evident to fans, his Hertha Berlin coach Pal Dardai can see the progress that the defender is making.
"Niklas is exactly the sort of player every coach wants to have. If he continues to develop the way he has, he’ll be a real force - even at one of the big clubs." said Dardai.
In addition, Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Low, who unceremoniously dumped center backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng this week, is fan of Stark.
"There are some exciting players at Hertha, Niklas Stark is one of them. He’s physical, versatile and focused." Löw said.
Should Stark be among the players chosen to replace Hummels and Boateng, the pressure will be intense on both the player and Low, whose arrogance has now placed him on the hot seat with Germany fans.
As for Stark himself, he seems ready to take on any challenge in front of him and will continue to strive for improvement.
"I’m a real perfectionist: tactically and when it comes to my positioning. It’s been going well, but my goal is to play for Germany" said Stark.
Whatever happens, Stark's determination, fortitude, and great physical ability are likely going to carry the player to new heights on the global soccer scene --- and maybe to a new club team as well if his performance and value continue to soar.
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