Bundesliga Player Check | Striker Phillip Tietz aids upstart Mainz 05 in seen and unseen ways
Bundesliga Player Check | Striker Phillip Tietz aids upstart Mainz 05 in seen and unseen ways Mainz 05 were happy to celebrate the performance of brace-scorer Phillip Tietz after Saturday’s massive Bundesliga upset win over Hoffenheim. One of Mainz’s January transfer additions – despite scoring only one goal for Mainz prior to yesterday – has played an important role in Mainz’s incredible revival. Tietz’s unnoticed work has helped the Rheinhessen rise from dead last in table to a legitimate European contender in a span of less than four months.
How has Phillip Tietz helped Mainz? Those keeping close tabs on Tietz’s Bundesliga club over the past few months have noticed how hard he works even if he doesn’t often get his name on the scoresheet. The 28-year-old has started all 13 league fixtures since joining the club on a €4m transfer at the beginning of January, playing the full 90 minutes on eight occasions.
Tietz collected three assists during the run, yet still only scored once and missed a penalty. Tietz – who has always been a streaky scorer – arrived in the Pfälzer capital under plenty of pressure. The fact that Mainz opted to fork over a significant transfer fee for him didn’t help matters.
Other attackers ( Silas and Sherlado Becker ) arrived at little to no cost. Silas and Becker were also feted during the extraordinary spell that saw Mainz collect 25 points during Tietz’s 13 consecutive starts. Those watching Tietz nevertheless observe what a vital role the former Germany U20 international plays on the Mainzer front line.
The one-time 2. Bundesliga scoring wizard draws quite a bit of coverage from the opponent and works exceptionally hard on initiating attacks and counters via his deep drops. Tietz functioned more as a classic target forward against Hoffenheim, ultimately converting two Phillipp Mwene crosses into goals.