In matchday 15 of 3. Liga, Elversberg hosted Borussia Dortmund II in a 3-1 win where Dortmund had a lot of possession, but Elversberg was able to capitalize on more chances. Elversberg ran a 4-4-2 with inverted wingers and prioritized direct build up with long balls and then dribbling moves into the box. They found it easy to break down Dortmund’s back line once they entered the box, thought they found midfield play more difficult and themselves playing the counter more often than not. The result was demonstrative of the performances that have led Elversberg to the top of the league table.
Ratings:
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be a strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Jannik Rochelt
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Germany
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 27/09/1998
- Club: SV Elversberg
- Career: FC Memmingen, Bayern Munich II, SSV Ulm 1846
- Position: Left Winger
- Preferred foot: Right
Jannik Rochelt is a 182 cm tall (above average height for position) left winger with a mature build who played 88 minutes in this match before being subbed off. He displayed average pace and above average agility against Dortmund. The German winger is tied for second in goals and first in assists in 3. Liga in a breakout campaign, and he added to both totals here.
On the attack, Rochelt is an active runner that is intelligent in finding space off the ball. When the ball entered the box, he liked to find space back post or at the edge to stay available for his teammates. On the counter, he made active runs mainly on the left of the middle channel and cutting in from the left flank. Rochelt often received short or ahead of him on these runs. In these situations, he utilized his technical ability with both feet to either dribble or distribute short passes. He was able to dish a cross inside with his weaker left, too. Overall, he proved to be a two-footed winger with above average technical ability inside when on ball.
Rochelt also had a hand in all three goals in a goal contribution on two for a goal and an assist. On the first goal, he had rotated over on the right wing and created space to allow for the entry into the box for the finish. For the second, Rochelt received on a run down the middle left wing and dribbled inside toward the box then playing a through ball to Kevin Koffi for the finish. On the final finish, Rochelt made a central run into the box and shot first time to put his squad up 3-1 and secure the victory.
Defensively, Elversberg’s left winger dropped deep in defense for cover but mainly served as an extra body. He covered the wing and would trap from behind when given the opportunity. On the press, he went after the opponent immediately on possession loss. His quickness aided him and caused some hesitations in the buildup.
Rating – A2
Though Rochelt is one of the most dynamic scorers in 3. Liga on its top team, I believe he is at his ceiling as a finisher and creator based on this match. His athleticism will limit his growth as an impact player at higher levels and his time to improve technically is limited as Rochelt is close to reaching his peak. I have no doubt Rochelt will be able to contribute as a starter at the next tier, but I would not expect the output he is doing now.