HSV's 16-year-old sensation steals the show in DFB-Pokal victory against Verl
| HSV players celebrating. | Photo: Christof Koepsel / Getty Images. |
Hamburger SV comfortably booked their place in the next round of the DFB-Pokal with a 3-0 victory over third-tier side SC Verl - but the biggest story of the evening may have been the emergence of 16-year-old Louis Lemke.
The highly rated midfielder/winger made his first-ever senior appearance for the northern German giants and wasted little time showing why he is considered one of Germany's top young talents. Lemke was directly involved in two of HSV's three goals, capping off a dream debut.
Interestingly, it was Verl who made the stronger start. The third-tier side created the better chances and even enjoyed the majority of possession during the opening 30 minutes.
HSV gradually grew into the game, however, and eventually showed why they are competing in Germany's top flight.
The breakthrough came in the 40th minute. New signing Patson Daka found fellow new arrival Albert Grønbæk, who was made a permanent HSV player following his initial loan spell. The Danish midfielder made no mistake, calmly finishing to give Hamburg a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Grønbæk wasn't done there.
Shortly after the restart, Lemke made an immediate impact in transition, bursting forward before once again finding Grønbæk. The Dane finished the move to double his tally and put HSV firmly in control.
Just four minutes later, it was Lemke's turn to take centre stage.
The teenager found the back of the net himself after being set up by new captain Nicolai Remberg, completing a remarkable sequence for the youngster and making it 3-0.
Verl did manage to get back into the game at times, but the hosts were never seriously close to mounting a comeback. HSV comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure their place in the next round.
For Hamburg, it was a successful evening in the cup. For Lemke, it could prove to be the beginning of something much bigger.
Two goal involvements and a goal on his senior debut at just 16 years old - Germany may have just witnessed the first chapter of a very exciting career.
