Union Berlin Forwards 2024/25
Union Berlin has steadily risen to prominence in German football, earning a reputation for their resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to punch above their weight. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s forward line remains a critical component of their strategy. The attacking unit blends experience, youth, and versatility, offering a mix of physicality, technical skill, and tactical intelligence. In this post, we’ll take an in-depth look at each forward currently part of Union Berlin’s squad, exploring their backgrounds, strengths, and contributions to the team.
1. Kevin Behrens
Kevin Behrens, a German striker, has become a fan favorite at Union Berlin due to his relentless work ethic and aerial prowess. Born on February 3, 1991, in Wiesbaden, Behrens took a unconventional path to the Bundesliga, spending much of his career in Germany’s lower divisions. Before joining Union Berlin in 2021, he played for clubs such as SV Wehen Wiesbaden and SV Sandhausen. His transfer fee was a modest €500,000, reflecting his status as a late bloomer.
Standing at 1.88 meters, Behrens is a physical presence in the box, excelling in hold-up play and winning duels. His ability to press defenders and create space for teammates has made him a key figure in Union’s system. While not the most prolific scorer, his contributions extend beyond goals, with his defensive work rate and ability to disrupt opposition build-up play earning him plaudits. Behrens embodies the grit and determination that define Union Berlin’s ethos.
2. Jordan Siebatcheu
Jordan Siebatcheu, known as “Pefok,” is a Cameroonian-American forward who joined Union Berlin in 2022 from Swiss side BSC Young Boys. Born on April 26, 1996, in Washington, D.C., Siebatcheu represents the United States internationally. His transfer fee of €6 million was a significant investment for Union, reflecting his proven goal-scoring ability in European competitions.
Siebatcheu is a dynamic striker with a knack for finding the back of the net. His physicality, combined with his intelligent movement, makes him a constant threat in the final third. During his time at Young Boys, he scored crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. At Union Berlin, he has adapted well to the Bundesliga’s demands, using his strength and finishing ability to contribute to the team’s attacking output. His versatility allows him to play as a lone striker or in a two-forward system, providing tactical flexibility.
3. Benedict Hollerbach
Benedict Hollerbach, a young German forward, represents the future of Union Berlin’s attack. Born on February 24, 2001, in Berlin, Hollerbach is a product of the club’s youth academy. He made his first-team debut in 2021 and has since developed into a promising talent. As a homegrown player, his transfer fee was effectively zero, making him a valuable asset for the club.
Hollerbach is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and composure in front of goal. Despite his relatively young age, he has shown maturity beyond his years, often making intelligent runs and linking up well with teammates. His versatility allows him to operate as a winger or secondary striker, adding depth to Union’s attacking options. Hollerbach’s development is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent, and he is expected to play an increasingly important role in the coming seasons.
4. Mikkel Kaufmann
Mikkel Kaufmann, a Danish forward, joined Union Berlin in 2021 from FC Copenhagen. Born on January 19, 2001, in Denmark, Kaufmann was signed for a fee of €1.5 million, reflecting his potential as a rising star. Before moving to Germany, he gained experience in the Danish Superliga, where he showcased his goal-scoring instincts and technical ability.
Kaufmann is a versatile attacker capable of playing as a center forward or on the wings. His quick feet and ability to take on defenders make him a dangerous option in one-on-one situations. While still adapting to the physicality of the Bundesliga, he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in his movement off the ball and ability to create chances. Kaufmann’s development is closely monitored by the coaching staff, who see him as a long-term prospect for the club.
5. Sven Michel
Sven Michel, a German forward, joined Union Berlin in 2022 from SC Paderborn. Born on July 16, 1990, in Lübben, Michel has enjoyed a journeyman career, playing for several lower-league clubs before making his mark in the 2. Bundesliga. His transfer fee of €1.2 million was a bargain for a player of his experience and quality.
Michel is a technically gifted forward with excellent vision and passing ability. Often deployed as a second striker or attacking midfielder, he thrives in linking play and creating opportunities for teammates. His set-piece delivery and ability to score from distance add another dimension to Union’s attack. Michel’s experience and leadership qualities have made him a valuable presence in the squad, particularly in high-pressure situations.
6. Sheraldo Becker
Sheraldo Becker, a Surinamese-Dutch winger, has been a key figure in Union Berlin’s attack since joining the club in 2019 from ADO Den Haag. Born on February 9, 1995, in Amsterdam, Becker was signed for a fee of €1 million, which has proven to be a shrewd piece of business. His pace and direct style of play have made him a constant threat on the flanks.
Becker’s ability to stretch defenses with his speed and deliver accurate crosses has been instrumental in Union’s attacking play. He is also capable of cutting inside and scoring goals, adding unpredictability to his game. Despite occasional inconsistencies, Becker’s contributions have been vital to the team’s success, and he remains a fan favorite for his exciting style of play.
7. Jamie Leweling
Jamie Leweling, a German forward, joined Union Berlin in 2023 on loan from VfB Stuttgart, with an option to buy. Born on February 26, 2001, in Nuremberg, Leweling is a highly regarded young talent with a bright future ahead of him. His loan deal reflects Union’s strategy of blending youth with experience.
Leweling is a versatile attacker who can play as a winger or forward. His quick acceleration and ability to beat defenders make him a valuable asset in counter-attacking situations. While still refining his end product, Leweling’s potential is evident, and his performances have already earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. If he continues to develop, he could become a permanent fixture in Union’s attack.
Conclusion
Union Berlin’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. Each player brings unique qualities to the team, contributing to a well-rounded attacking unit capable of challenging even the strongest defenses. From the physical presence of Kevin Behrens to the youthful exuberance of Benedict Hollerbach, Union’s forwards embody the club’s ethos of hard work, determination, and tactical intelligence. As the new season unfolds, these players will be crucial to Union Berlin’s ambitions, aiming to build on their recent successes and continue their rise in German football.