Head coach Sandro Schwarz wants more from Nigeria’s best dribbler in Europe

The Super Eagles playmaker is still finding his feet in one of the continent’s most followed leagues

Hertha Berlin manager Sandro Schwarz has made it clear he is pleased with the performance, quality, and application of Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke.

The man with the magic feet, Ejuke has been drawing cheers and applause from Hertha fans with his speed, technique, and dribbles.

With an average of three dribbles per game, Ejuke has a stat that is only bettered by PSG’s Lionel Messi, Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin, and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

The 24-year-old winger is, therefore, the best Nigerian dribbler in Europe’s top-five leagues, the second-best in the German Bundesliga, and the fourth overall. (Whoscored)

And Hertha’s head coach Sandro Schwarz has praised Ejuke for his contributions.

Per Berliner Kurier, Schwarz said, “Offensively, with his speed and his movements, he looks very, very good.”

Ejuke is still looking for his first goal in a Hertha Berlin shirt. The Super Eagles star has featured in six matches (he has started the last five) since joining from Russian side CSKA Moscow in the summer.

The former Heerenveen playmaker, however, claimed his first assist for Hertha at the weekend, brilliantly setting up Suat Serder for his side’s first goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Bayer Leverkusen. It was a goal that particularly impressed Schwarz.

“I think the first goal is outstanding,” the 43-year-old manager added. “We defended forward, were calm in the penalty area, and played a clean last pass.”

Ejuke must improve – Schwarz

Despite the applause, Schwarz knows Ejuke is still far from his efficient best. The Nigeria international has missed a few clear chances to get his name on the scorer’s chart.

And Schwarz wants Ejuke to improve on the rough edges, even as he adapts to the Bundesliga.

Schwarz notes: “He has to get used to the new league: when he’s here, in which zone he dribbles, and when he looks for the easy pass. This development process comes with match practice.”

Ejuke will get another chance to impress again and possibly get his first goal for Hertha when Die Alte Dame make the trip to face Mainz on Friday.