Michael Thurk

[Ballack13]

Anyone watching this guy? He is quite talented...8 goals on the season so far and nobody is talking about him...I think he should be looked at for the national team after the WC. Also Manuel Friedrich....

[yushida03]

8 goals from how many games? and how old is he..

[Michael Thurk]

He scored 10 goals this season ;)
Thurk is already 29, but his bundesliga-stats were really good, 16 goals in 37 games

[Ballack13]

He scored 10 goals this season ;)
Thurk is already 29, but his bundesliga-stats were really good, 16 goals in 37 games

Would be nice if he was younger but as you point out, he is having a great season.

He is quick, good technique and scoring goals. He should really be looked at by Klinsmann.

Along with Odonkor, Kiessling and Trochowski.

[Ballack13]

He scored 10 goals this season ;)
Thurk is already 29, but his bundesliga-stats were really good, 16 goals in 37 games

Hey, what do you think about Manuel Friedrich? What are his weaknesses and strengths?

I have seen him play a few times and he looked very good. Good in the air, and very mobile...Its a shame he wasn't brought into the team a while back so he would have more experience at this point.

[yushida03]

Hey, what do you think about Manuel Friedrich? What are his weaknesses and strengths?

I have seen him play a few times and he looked very good. Good in the air, and very mobile...Its a shame he wasn't brought into the team a while back so he would have more experience at this point.

most players need experience to cope with the pressure and all the tricks playing at high level..

but for some, they just have enough self believe and confidence, they can cope with that and perform. nothing to do with experience.. M.Friedrich is old/matured enough. i think he can handle the pressure should he get selected..

what is more worrying is if Klinsi choose to pick Merte-Huth.. both are relatively inexperienced, and very young..

[Michael Thurk]

Hey, what do you think about Manuel Friedrich? What are his weaknesses and strengths?

I have seen him play a few times and he looked very good. Good in the air, and very mobile...Its a shame he wasn't brought into the team a while back so he would have more experience at this point.

He is very good in Tacklings, won the most Tacklings of all german defenders last season and is this year also one of the best. In the air he is also good.
A 3rd good attribute is that he can organize a defence.

He has only one weak attribute - he is some times a little bit unconcentrated.

[yushida03]

He is very good in Tacklings, won the most Tacklings of all german defenders last season and is this year also one of the best. In the air he is also good.
A 3rd good attribute is that he can organize a defence.

He has only one weak attribute - he is some times a little bit unconcentrated.

hmm from your post, seems like he's better than both Huth and Mertescaker..

[Ballack13]

Wouldnt surpise me if M. Friedrich becomes a starter for the WC. That is very impressive that he won the most tackles out of all German Defenders. Most importantly the guy is mobile, not slow like Mertesacker and Huth.

Michael Thurk, why is Manuel still at Mainz? Seems like he can play for a much bigger club. I love Mainz, one of my favorite sides.

[Michael Thurk]

Friedrich has a big solidarity(?) to Mainz 05, because he is from Bad Kreuznach, a Town not far away of Mainz and plays for Mainz 05 since he is 16 (expect for 1 1/2 year in Bremen). Also Friedrichs father (who is Manuels agent) is a member of the management board.
Manuel is a type of guy who needs such a family-oriented atmosphere to feel good much more than much money.