U21 international Yunus Malli is continuing to improve and go from strength to strength in 2015. He was often used as an impact sub during the first half of the season but has become an indispensable part of Mainz’s starting line-up. Six goals, three assists and an expiring contract saw him attract interest from other clubs. However, it was revealed on Monday that Yunus Malli will stay at Mainz 05.
His club announced the contract extension, which will see the Germany U21 international remain with Mainz until at least 2018. "I feel at home at Mainz 05 and I’m not at the end of my development yet. I’m certain that I can take the next step at the club and under manager Martin Schmidt," the U21 international is quoted as saying on the club’s homepage. "I’m happy that my future has been cleared up and I’m excited for a successful future at Mainz 05."
Volland: Cracker from 27 metres out
Mainz’s Johannes Geis auditioned to be the U21’s set-piece specialist two weeks ago when he provided two assists and Hoffenheim’s Kevin Volland has now followed suit and thrown his hat into the ring. He scored a screamer of a free-kick from 27 metres out in the 51st minute of the game against Eintracht Frankfurt and was the standout player for Hoffenheim.
Following the goal, which has been labelled as potential "Goal of the Month," TSG Hoffenheim were unable to add to their tally and so returned home empty-handed. Goals from Bastian Oczipka, Haris Seferovic and Timothy Chandler in the first half had essentially already settled the match in Eintracht Frankfurt’s favour.
Germany's U21 internationals already have their sights set on the summer’s European Championship in the Czech Republic (June 17th-30th). Until then, the players are looking to boost their chances of earning a place in the squad by playing well in their league competitions. The 'U21 Overview' is a new series on DFB.de: Every Tuesday we will profile some of the potential players and examine their form at club level.
Ter Stegen vs. Neuer: Who will make it to Berlin?
Everything is currently going to plan for Barcelona. They increased their lead over Real Madrid in the league to four points at the weekend and are set to face Athletic Bilbao in the cup final. Following their 3-0 victory in the first leg against Bayern München, they stand a great chance of making it through to the Champions League Final in Berlin on the 6th June.
This would be the crowning glory of a successful first year in Spain for U21 international Marc-André ter Stegen. They need to be fully focused for 90 minutes today (20:45 CEST) in the semi-final second leg as Marc-André ter Stegen returns to his German homeland to face FC Bayern München, who, with World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer in their ranks, will once again attempt to pull off a footballing miracle.
Korb on course for Champions League with Gladbach
The highlight fixture of matchday 32 was all about the battle for direct qualification to the Champions League. U21 international Julian Korb and his Gladbach teammates took on Leverkusen in the hope of tightening their grip on third place. Gladbach started strongly, dictated the opening stages and should have gone ahead in the 31st minute when Patrick Herrmann found himself unmarked. In this situation, U21 goalkeeper Bernd Leno pulled off a fantastic double save.
Leverkusen were better after the break however, Gladbach took the lead in the 51st minute. Granit Xhaka’s quick free kick over the top caught the Leverkusen defence out, allowing Herrmann to run clear and square for Kruse to turn the ball home and make it 1-0 to the hosts. The scores could have been level 12 minutes before the end if not for Julian Korb, as the Germany U21 international cleared brilliantly with Stefan Reinartz poised to slot home. Gladbach settled the match in the closing stages with Patrick Herrmann and Ibrahima Traore combining to secure three massive points in their battle to qualify for the Champions League.
Malli extends contract with Mainz until 2018
U21 international Yunus Malli is continuing to improve and go from strength to strength in 2015. He was often used as an impact sub during the first half of the season but has become an indispensable part of Mainz’s starting line-up. Six goals, three assists and an expiring contract saw him attract interest from other clubs. However, it was revealed on Monday that Yunus Malli will stay at Mainz 05.
His club announced the contract extension, which will see the Germany U21 international remain with Mainz until at least 2018. "I feel at home at Mainz 05 and I’m not at the end of my development yet. I’m certain that I can take the next step at the club and under manager Martin Schmidt," the U21 international is quoted as saying on the club’s homepage. "I’m happy that my future has been cleared up and I’m excited for a successful future at Mainz 05."
Volland: Cracker from 27 metres out
Mainz’s Johannes Geis auditioned to be the U21’s set-piece specialist two weeks ago when he provided two assists and Hoffenheim’s Kevin Volland has now followed suit and thrown his hat into the ring. He scored a screamer of a free-kick from 27 metres out in the 51st minute of the game against Eintracht Frankfurt and was the standout player for Hoffenheim.
Following the goal, which has been labelled as potential "Goal of the Month," TSG Hoffenheim were unable to add to their tally and so returned home empty-handed. Goals from Bastian Oczipka, Haris Seferovic and Timothy Chandler in the first half had essentially already settled the match in Eintracht Frankfurt’s favour.
