Admittedly, that goal had more to do with luck than class. After a corner, Danilo Doekhi goes for the ball, Rani Khedira almost falls over, but somehow the ball gets through Janik Haberer to Josip Juranovic, who has moved in. The right-back just keeps going from around 20 meters. The actually weak low shot slips through the paws of Ajax keeper Rulli – 2-0 for Union Berlin.
“My left shot was better than expected”, Juranovic commented on his debut goal after the end of the game. An action that is almost typical for the surprise team in the Bundesliga. A lot of will, a little luck here and there – and the thing is in there. After just a few weeks, the winter newcomer seems to have the Union gene. After the first impressions, the Köpenickers have once again landed a bull’s eye.
The changing of the guard has begun
The rumble goal described should not hide the fact that Juranovic is delivering quality to the Union squad on the right side. The fact that the Croatian third in the World Cup spent the most recent Bundesliga game (0-0) against Schalke 04 entirely on the bench is probably primarily due to rest – it’s not for nothing that the Berliners also have captain Christopher Trimmel available at right back.
However, the 36-year-old Union legend should have been prepared for the fact that coach Urs Fischer will increasingly reduce his playing time in favor of Juranovic. The fact that the record purchase – sold by Celtic Glasgow for 8.5 million euros – has the necessary offensive power is underlined by the goal against Ajax and three assists in five appearances.
In terms of sport – Juranovic has already indicated this in these few games – the 27-year-old represents a clear upgrade for the Union squad. He has to do that even with this transfer fee. After the first impressions it was a worthwhile investment.
