Bulinews Player of the Season Awards: 1.FSV Mainz's Player of the Season
The Carnival city of Mainz doesn’t just produce costumes and jollity, but football clubs worthy of their own parades and celebrations as well. Always regarded as a lower mid-table side, Bo Henriksen and his squad have completed one of the club’s most successful seasons to reward themselves with a sixth-place finish and a worthy Conference League spot to come.
The man spearheading the charge that almost looked destined for the Champions League at one stage was Jonathan Burkardt. The 24-year-old epitomises everything you would associate with Henriksen’s Mainz – strong running, hardworking and super-efficient in possession.
Die Nullfünfer’s main marksman thumped in 18 goals and offered 2 assists in 29 appearances in what is his highest-scoring season to date. Such was his output, Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann rewarded him with a national team call-up where he featured in their Nations League fixtures with Italy. It’s clear to see Mainz have a rising talent on their books.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCE:
There can be no questions asked when we say Jonathan Burkardt’s most impressive performance this season guided Mainz to a 2-0 win over TSG Hoffenheim on Matchday 12. The German was purring inside seconds as he almost set up Dominick Kohr for the opener with a beautifully flicked, no-look pass. However, Burkardt did it himself on 4 minutes as he found space to shrug off his marker to tap home Jae-Sung Lee’s cross.
What would follow would indisputably be regarded as one of the strikes of the season The 24-year-old bagged a brace in remarkable fashion when Paul Nebel broke the ball for his use. A touch on the chest brought Burkardt to the edge of the box where he rifled it into the top-right corner in a flash. Not even a full-stretch Oliver Baumann could keep that thunderbolt out.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
Picking up two votes from our team of writers was Nadiem Amiri who continues to develop into one of the finest and most irreplaceable midfielders in Bundesliga football. His composure, passing range and technical ability is vital while he also contributed 7 goals and 5 assists across the campaign. Jae-Sung Lee claimed a vote of his own as the 32-year-old continues to run and press tirelessly alongside the 7 goals and 6 assists registered this season.
