By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Satisfaction appears evident on Hansi Flick's face as he occupies a seat in the stands of the arena, where league newcomer Darmstadt 98 played last weekend.
The German national coach witnessed what he had hoped for — the individual he had wanted to observe demonstrated a commendable performance while donning the jersey of Union Berlin, the current frontrunner in the German league.
It is highly probable that Robin Gosens will soon make a return to the national squad for the 2014 world champions' friendly matches against Japan and France in September.
Aged 29, Gosens is precisely the missing piece of the puzzle that Flick requires on the journey towards the 2024 UEFA Euro. His presence brings improvement, especially when he is in good form, tirelessly covering the left side of the field from box to box.
In addition to Union's exceptional start to the season with two wins, the fullback has contributed another remarkable chapter to his unconventional professional story.
Unlike most of his national team peers, Gosens took a circuitous route and did not follow the typical path through football talent development centers. He eventually found his way back to the German league, which he referred to as his "homecoming."
Interestingly, he had never played in the Bundesliga before. As a young player, Gosens ventured to the Netherlands and gradually progressed before embarking on a journey to Italy, where he represented clubs such as Atalanta and Inter Milan.
Having played a significant role in Serie A's ascent, he captured Flick's attention and became a surprising figure in German media.
Upon returning to his country of birth, Gosens scored two goals against Darmstadt (4-1), following his 24-minute appearance in the season opener against Mainz (4-1).
With 16 international caps, he described the day as "almost perfect" and ignited speculations that both he and Union might contend for the title this season. This comes after Union finished fourth last season and secured their first-ever Champions League qualification.
Expressing his delight, Gosens stated, "I always dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga. Scoring two goals in a single game for the first time in my career makes it particularly special."
When asked about the team's prospects for the season, Gosens responded with a simple "a lot," indicating his optimism.
While Union is preparing for uncharted territory, Gosens seems to be a fitting match for coach Urs Fischer. The Swiss coach favors individuals with unconventional narratives and enduring resilience — traits that Gosens embodies. Despite encountering multiple challenges, he persevered until things fell into place.
When contemplating his return to Germany, Gosens relied on Flick's advice. The German coach encouraged him to remain persistent, as the two maintained close contact throughout the transfer period.
Gosens' participation in Union's matches streamlines matters for Flick, as he can observe him in action more frequently. With performances like the current one, where Gosens emerged as the match-winner, it's hardly surprising that the German national team stands to benefit significantly. ■