Teams | December 30, 2017 at 05:16 PM

"I'm fully fit"

On the way to the top: Valentino Lazaro

After injury difficulties, the young Austrian is now on the way up, and getting better with every passing week.
Berlin - Left wing, defensive midfield, right-back? Nothing is a problem for Valentino Lazaro – even if happens to be in one game. The versatile performance in the final game before Christmas against Leipzig showed exactly why Pal Dardai acquired his services from Red Bull Salzburg. The ability to play in such a range of positions has made Lazaro a vital asset for Hertha this season, demonstrated in Leipzig as the Austrian set up two of their three goals. „I always try to give everything and assist if I can. The game in Leipzig just showed how I can help the team in a number of roles.“

Like his fellow newcomer Davie Selke, who usually rooms with ‚Tino‘ on away trips, it was no easy start for Lazaro after arriving in Berlin. The youngster was forced to fight his way up through the youth ranks and the under-23s after picking up an injury shortly after arriving in the capital. A tough, but successful path. „I am very satisfied with my transition to Bundesliga life, even if it started with injury. When I was fit again I got stuck in and I’m pleased to be in the starting XI as much as I have been recently.“ His first competitive game in Blue and White came in the Regionalliga. Lazaro scored on his debut against Neustrelitz at the end of September but he is yet to find the back of the net with the first team.

Patience isn’t one of the qualities the Austrian lists as one of his strengths, but he forced himself to be more conservative during his rehab. „I wanted to be able to perform again as best as possible as soon as possible. As a young player you can force it too much too soon and be impatient when coming back from injury. You have to learn that these things take time.“ His full Hertha debut came in the Europa League, just days after his scoring a goal in his debut for the under-23s. Since then the 21-year-old has barely missed a game, and found himself either in the starting XI or making an appearance as a substitute. He has started four Bundesliga games to this point, as well as four Europa League games and one DFB Pokal tie altogether.
The move from down south has been worth every second in Lazaro’s eyes. "Ever since I moved here I have felt at home, in the team and the city.“ The original move for Lazaro was on a temporary basis, but it was quickly decided to make the move permanent in November. Michael Preetz explained: "Valentino has demonstrated in the time he has been here exactly why we wanted to bring him to the club. He has a lot of potential and works well in our team – so we are making his deal long-term.“

Valentino Lazaro’s time at Hertha BSC has been a continuous upward curve to this point. Perhaps the winter break has come a touch too soon. The aim for the Rückrunde is clear: to pick up where the team left off before the break. The reason for the strong last week of the year is also obvious for Lazaro: „We are getting more and more returns for playing with this winning mentality, so it does not matter which system we play in. We fight and show passion until the end – and that's exactly what the coach and fans want to see from us. If we can play like we did in the first half against Hannover too, then we would be even more pleased!“

 

by Hertha BSC