AMSTERDAM – Now that Bayern Munich attacker Julian Green is set for season-long loan with Hamburg, US fans will finally get to see what the Tampa-born teen has in store for an encore.
Despite his instant classic World Cup strike, Green remains buried on the Bayern depth chart behind the likes of playmakers Mario Götze, Thomas Müller, Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben and Xherdan Shaqiri. Hence the HSV move, which is expected to give the youngster an educational first run in the Bundesliga.
That being said, there are bound to be questions from stateside observers as to what this move means for the present and future of one of the most talked-about US prospects in Europe. We're here to help.
What is Green's playing time outlook at HSV?
Let's put it this way: Hamburg have yet to score in their opening two matches against promoted sides FC Köln and Paderborn, and one of their starting wingers thus far has been out-of-position central midfielder Tolgay Arslan.
Green's preferred spot is on the left, where 27-year-old Ivo Ilicevic has started since last season. A Croatia winger out of international action since 2010, he managed a modest three goals and two assists last season, giving him respective sums of 14 and eight in 96 career Bundesliga games for three different clubs.
Fellow loan arrival Lewis Holtby could potentially crowd the HSV wing scene a bit more, but he would prefer to team up with captain Rafael van der Vaart to create from the center of the park. Either way, Green is capable of playing anywhere along the currently lifeless front line of Hamburg's 4-3-3 and should see plenty of action.
How does Green fit into Hamburg's scheme?
It's not very difficult for a shifty winger to fit into any formation that features Van der Vaart holding the keys. The veteran is off to a lukewarm start, but should warm up once the calf injury that kept him out of World Cup is fully in the rearview mirror.
Van der Vaart (right) has an accomplished passer of the ball to all parts of the field , and he loves to run on to cutbacks from the flank with his favored left foot. Green should greatly enjoy playing with him. The acquisition of Holtby - who has 23 assists in 99 career Bundesliga outings - adds another proven setup man to the build.
The lead striker, meanwhile, is fairly prototypical big man Pierre-Michel Lasogga. Though a beefy presence, the 21-year-old loves to apply high pressure and run on the counterattack – two attributes that on paper make it seem he and Green could really benefit each other.
If Green does take up a left wing position, one should take note of regular left back Marcell Jansen, who likes nothing more than to jump into the attack. On one hand, it takes time for flank partners to understand each other on the overlap; on the other hand, the lanky No. 7 shirt definitely draws a lot of space-granting attention when he goes forward.
What is Hamburg's outlook for the season?
The more optimistic locals would probably tell you the team can't play as bad as it did last season, and that the new additions immediately make the squad look better than its relegation-battling predecessor.
These are fair points, but until they can return to their recent-enough winning ways (HSV qualified for Europe seven times from 2001-2011), the rest of the supporters will be pulling hair out for them to move away from the danger zone. It is now up to Green to help them do that.
Can Green excel at the Bundesliga level?
Pep Guardiola believes he can, which is why Hamburg holds no option to purchase Green's contract outright. Jurgen Klinsmann certainly thinks he can, or Green would have never been in Brazil to lash home that volley against Belgium. I'll say the US hotshot should be good for about a half-dozen goals and another six assists, and come out of the loan spell understanding exactly what it takes to succeed in the Bundesliga.
