- Adeyemi's twin-game goal tally: "Such a scoring streak is commonplace"
Karim Adeyemi establishes a high benchmark following his exceptional performance, scoring five goals in two U21 international matches. "This should be my norm," stated the Borussia Dortmund strike force player post the 10-1 triumph against Estonia in the EM qualifiers. "My aim was to contribute to the team's victory and simultaneously boost my self-confidence by notching up goals or assists. I managed to do just that and I'm delighted with it."
The 22-year-old, who netted twice against Israel and an astounding three times against Estonia in their recent encounter, rejoins Dortmund's Champions League finalists with a renewed vigor. Coach Antonio Di Salvo expressed, "The aim was to bolster his confidence. Now, he needs to up the pace in Dortmund."
Karim Adeyemi was the subject of intense discussions prior to this. In November 2023, he chose to skip the U21 team following German national coach Julian Nagelsmann's exclusion despite his personal request to train with Dortmund. The decision met with criticism.
But the past is now past. Adeyemi is focused on cementing his position in Dortmund and gaining an entry into the A-team. Coach Di Salvo voiced his unwavering confidence in the scenario where Adeyemi plays under Nagelsmann or for him in the future.
Di Salvo was delighted with Germany U21's two goal-fests, leading up to the EM finals in Slovakia next summer. "We aimed to score one goal after another. That's a positive sign," said the coach. Germany U21's record win remains its 11-0 score against San Marino in November 2009.
Karim Adeyemi wasn't the only one to shine. Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade, Hannover 96's Nicolo Tresoldi, 1. FC Cologne's Eric Martel, SC Freiburg's Max Rosenfelder, Cologne's Tim Lemperle, and Frankfurt's Ansgar Knauff chipped in with German goals against the overpowered Estonians.
Next up is Bulgaria.
Di Salvo admitted, "We can savour this victory for now, along with the goals we scored." However, he's already setting his sights on October 11 in Regensburg, where they aim to "seal the deal" against Bulgaria. A win would secure a slot in the EM, and even a draw would suffice. If they fail to clinch the group win, they still have strong prospects of being among the top three group runners-up, who too qualify for the EM.
Borussia Dortmund and Karim Adeyemi will have high expectations after his impressive performance, with five goals in two matches. Coach Antonio Di Salvo needs Adeyemi to maintain his confidence and up his game further in Dortmund.
The upcoming match for Germany U21 is against Bulgaria, and solidifying their position in the EM is crucial for Coach Di Salvo and Borussia Dortmund's star player, Karim Adeyemi.
