When a young footballer starts doing well, people notice not just their skills but also their personality. Nurijan Avdijaj, a 19-year-old midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt, is getting attention for both. Former Bundesliga player Sascha Kirchhoff recently praised Avdijaj, calling him a “natural leader” and saying he could become very important for Frankfurt in the future.
Why Sascha Kirchhoff’s Words Are Important
Kirchhoff played for top German clubs like Bayern Munich and now works as a coach. He knows what it takes to succeed in football. His praise for Avdijaj isn’t just nice words—it’s a serious opinion from someone who understands the game.
“Nurijan isn’t just good with the ball,” Kirchhoff said. “He’s mature, reads the game well, and isn’t scared to take charge. That’s special for someone his age.”
How Avdijaj Grew in Frankfurt
Avdijaj joined Frankfurt’s youth team in 2020 after scouts saw him play in Kosovo. The club didn’t rush him. Instead, they let him grow slowly. Now, he’s playing regularly for Frankfurt’s U-21 team and even trained with the main squad.
In a recent friendly match against Mainz, Avdijaj played 70 minutes, made 88% of his passes, and almost scored a late goal. Fans are excited to see more of him.
What Makes Him a Leader?
Leadership in football isn’t just about being captain. It’s about helping teammates, staying calm, and making smart choices. Kirchhoff says Avdijaj already does this: “He corrects older players’ positions during practice. Others trust him because he’s confident.”
Coaches say Avdijaj is flexible. He can play defensive, attack, or even as a defender if needed. His understanding of the game is very strong for his age.
Frankfurt’s Plan for Young Players
Frankfurt is known for developing young talents. Players like Jesper Lindstrøm and Ansgar Knauff became stars here. The team mixes young players with experienced ones, a strategy that helped them win the Europa League in 2022.
Avdijaj might soon play for the main team, but coach Dino Toppmöller warns against putting too much pressure on him. The club could start him in smaller games or as a substitute.
Fans Are Excited
Frankfurt fans love Avdijaj already. Social media is full of clips showing his skills, like a amazing long pass in a U-21 game. After the Mainz match, fans started using hashtags like #FreeNurijan to ask for his promotion.
Avdijaj stays humble. He recently said, “I’ll keep working hard. When the coach says I’m ready, I’ll do my best.”
Why This Matters for German Football
German clubs focus on youth players because financial rules make it hard to buy expensive stars. Young talents like Bayern’s Jamal Musiala or Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko have shown teenagers can succeed in the Bundesliga.
If Avdijaj keeps improving, his value could rise quickly. Frankfurt has sold players like Luka Jović for big money before—Avdijaj might follow that path.
What’s Next?
It’s too early to say Avdijaj will be a superstar, but the signs are good. Kirchhoff’s praise and Avdijaj’s skills suggest he has a bright future. For Frankfurt fans, his progress is a reason to be hopeful.
As the season continues, everyone will watch how Frankfurt handles this young talent. One thing is clear: Avdijaj’s mix of hard work and natural ability gives him a real chance to become the leader everyone is talking about.