Hot Streak: Demirbay revelling in the Bundesliga with unbeaten Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim eased past fellow European hopefuls FC Cologne last weekend, with a 4-0 win enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the season, one of only three teams in Europe’s top 5 leagues to boast this feat. Leaving most flabbergasted with their expansive style of football, which has continued to yield results, Julian Nagelsmann has certainly proved his appointment was not merely a "public relations stunt" as suggested by the local media at the time. The managerial novice was not the only one with a point to prove at the club, with Kerem Demirbay eager to silence his critics.

A late bloomer at 23, Demirbay has finally been given his chance in the Bundesliga, having directly contributed to 6 goals in 8 matches for the Sinsheim club this season. Despite being on the books of Hamburg, Demirbay was cast aside since his arrival in 2013/14, and was sent out on various loan spells to develop in the lower league.

Talking on his experiences, Demirbay spoke about how the 2. Bundesliga was crucial to his progression. “It was not always as I had imagined (his career). The past has shaped me in many ways: in my playing style and my character. It has helped with my development, I have adapted my playing style and have become more effective due to it.”

An eventful loan spell at Fortuna Düsseldorf certainly peaked the interest of Hoffenheim, going on to secure his services for a mere £1.5m. If the German born midfielder were to ever return to Düsseldorf, he would undoubtedly be put on a pedestal. His contribution to the side was crucial to their survival, having scored 10 goals as well as providing 6 assists, coming in a number of pivotal moments during the season.

The pressure he dealt with has proved to be an important determinant in his growth, seemingly putting various controversies behind him as he continues to make an impact at Hoffenheim. His versatility in the middle of the park has been rather convenient for Nagelsmann. Demirbay is fairly comfortable in any position in midfield. “I can play in a two, on the eight and on the ten. As a modern central midfielder you need strengths in the offensive and the defensive. Without this, it becomes difficult nowadays.”

With the manager often adapting the shape of the team, the formation has often been a variation of 3-5-2/5-3-2, with Demirbay usually operating as one of the two central midfielders in the system.

One of the tactics Nagelsmann deploys requires one of his strikers to drop deeper in order to drag players out of position or to create space for the onrushing number 8, therefore directly enhancing Demirbay's attacking involvement. He's averaged 2.2 key passes a game, only surpassed by 2 other players in the league in his position, as well as attempting 0.6 shots on target per game.

Demirbay's real ability shines through in tight situations on the ball, one on one with opponents, averaging 2.5 dribbles per game. Nifty with his feet and agile, the midfielder has drawn similarities to Mesut Ozil, who was also born in the same region, with both of their ancestors originating from Devrek in Turkey.

Demirbay's international alliance has been a heated debate for some time, especially since his emergence into the spotlight. The midfielder has applied for duel nationality but has yet to decide whom he would like to represent, having been selected for both Germany and Turkey's youth teams. Both Fatih Terim and the German Football Federation have both put forward proposals in an attempt to convince Demirbay, but in the meantime has put his decision on hold in order to “prove himself in Hoffenheim” first.

Given the physicality of the second division, the midfielder had to adapt in order to succeed. One area of his game, which has evidently improved due to this has been the defensive side of his game, as spoken about earlier, which has been vital to Hoffenheim’s success.

Hoffenheim have often operated with a man marking system and an effective pressing model thus far this season, with Demirbay‘s involvement in the middle of the park a vital component in making this possible, averaging 1.9 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game. The midfield positional rotation also sees Demirbay cover as the deepest midfielder when tactically triggered, highlighting the faith shown in him by Nagelsmann.

Competition for places in midfield is healthy with Nagelsmann rotating and tweaking his team weekly. This has certainly boosted performance levels, with the manager's youthful exuberance and strong mentality certainly rubbing off onto his players too.

“He remains faithful to it (his philosophy) one hundred percent. I feel very well under him and I believe I speak for us all. He makes it (training) enjoyable every day. The way he deals with the team encourages the players and creates a good atmosphere.”

Having had a few standout moments already in the season, including a screamer to earn his side a draw versus current champions Bayern, Demirbay is keen to keep the momentum going. “It was beautiful, to score past the world's best goalkeeper without him moving. But I am still greedy, I want to continue to score goals, and I want to continue with Hoffenheim success."

If the club are to maintain their sensational start to the season, the summer signing will undoubtedly play an integral role.