Last-minute goals have become the trademark of Eintracht Frankfurt. Defender Evan Ndicka plays a very important role in this – and not just because of his goal on Sunday.
Against Leipzig (1:1), in Fürth (2:1) and now against Union Berlin (2:1), as well as in the Europa League in Piraeus (2:1) and twice against Antwerp (1:0 and 2:2) – for weeks now, Eintracht Frankfurt has been saving immensely important victories and points with goals in injury time. Fans and officials are rightly thrilled by the tenacity and morale of their professionals. “We are a conspiratorial bunch,” enthuses coach Oliver Glasner. In the spotlight on Sunday against Union as the winning goal scorer: Evan Ndicka, who soared to impressive heights with his header to make it 2-1.
Made up for their own slip-up before the penalty
Doubly important for the 22-year-old, he made up for his own blunder before the Berlin equaliser when Ndicka clumsily brought down Awoniyi in the box. Max Kruse converted the penalty kick. The fact that Ndicka, of all people, then provided the late redemption seems strange on the one hand – but on the other hand it was anything but a coincidence.
Despite his nominal role as a defender, Ndicka has been involved in Eintracht’s last-minute goals with great regularity. Against Antwerp, in Fürth and also in Piraeus, Ndicka provided the assist for the winning goal, several times after resolutely winning the ball. The focus is then usually on the goal scorer and assist king Filip Kostic. But on closer inspection, Ndicka’s special significance as an effective changeover player is obvious.
