A team player for special moments

Dodi Lukébakio has provided plenty of eye-catching moments since he joined Hertha BSC in the summer. The Belgian is hoping for another special day against FC Bayern on Sunday.

A long throw from Lukas Klünter, flicked on by Marius Wolf to the edge of the six-yard box where Dodi Lukébakio swivelled on the spot and hammered in an acrobatic overhead kick into the back of the net. We saw a glimpse of his magic at home game against Hoffenheim, just one example of the Belgian’s clinical instinct in front of goal. Hertha fans honoured the strike with the club’s 2019 Goal of the Year award. “I really appreciate this award and would like to thank the Hertha fans. It’s definitely my best goal in the Bundesliga,” Lukébakio told herthabsc.de. “I hope we can enjoy more moments like this together!”

Strong statistics against Bayern? “It’s a bit annoying to have everything reduced to that.”

Together – that’s the key word. Ahead of Sunday’s Rückrunde opener (19.01.20, 15:30 CET) against FC Bayern, Hertha’s no. 28 has had to answer plenty of questions about his extraordinary record against the Bavarian giants. In three games against Bayern, the Belgian has netted five times, including on his Hertha debut in Munich. “I have a lot of respect for FC Bayern, they are the biggest club in Germany and one of the biggest in the world. Of course, it’s nice to score against a club like that,” the attacker said. “I would like to score in every game, which is why it’s a bit annoying to have everything reduced to this statistic.” The 22-year-old admits there is "no special secret" to his record. "It’s important to be focused in every moment and be there when the chance appears."

Opportunities such as these often arise in football, even against the very best in German football. On Sunday, Hertha’s rigorous winter preparations will be put to the ultimate test for the first time. “We’re getting to know each other better as a team and we’re all excited for the game against Bayern,” Lukébakio reveals. “In games like these, you tend to rise to the occasion. We hope we can do this on Sunday!” Listening to Lukébakio, you can’t help but sense determination oozing from him on the pitch. “I have played football since I was a child. It has always been important to enjoy the game – and to win. I hate losing,” the Belgian grinned. “this determination to always show people what I can do, to help my team and then win together – it’s a big part of who I am.” On Sunday, when the Bundesliga resumes at home to the reigning champions, Dodi Lukébakio will be hoping to provide another special moment or two.