Strikers are judged by their objectives. A aim scorer who doesn’t rating loses worth for his group. That’s the standard conclusion drawn from this truism. But, in distinction, there’s a striker within the Bundesliga who impresses even opposing coaches, regardless of having precisely zero objectives this season.
“I’ve hardly ever seen that in opposition to Jeff Chabot,” marveled VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß after his Stuttgart aspect confronted Union Berlin final weekend: “Ilic received loads of headers.” By repeatedly outmuscling the defensive powerhouse (1.95 meters, 95 kilograms), the iron-clad middle ahead as soon as once more helped Berlin safe a degree.
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And as soon as once more, it wasn’t him who scored for FCU to make it 1-1. But he’s been on the pitch for nearly each Bundesliga recreation for Union this season. He solely missed matchday eleven in opposition to Bayern as a consequence of a minor damage that healed shortly. It definitely wasn’t for lack of effort.
📸 THOMAS KIENZLE – AFP or licensors
No different participant in Germany’s prime flight who continues to be goalless has a better xG worth than the Serb. Along with his 5.28 anticipated objectives, he even ranks eleventh amongst his already profitable colleagues, forward of strikers like Andrej Kramaric, Mentioned El Mala, or Yan Diomandé. His 30 pictures on aim additionally place him within the higher third of the league.
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One other quantity sheds a bit extra gentle: seven. That’s what number of assists Ilic has already offered within the Bundesliga in 2025/26. Solely Michael Olise (13) and Luis Diaz (9) have extra. However Ilic doesn’t get as a lot consideration, since he doesn’t dribble as spectacularly as Bayern’s high-flyer. Ilic might fly below the radar, so to talk, however on the pitch he earns respect together with his aerial dominance. Particularly from his boss, Steffen Baumgart.
“Andrej is, in my opinion, crucial striker we have now,” the previous ahead declared in a media spherical in October 2025. That’s historic historical past within the fast-paced soccer enterprise? Nearly two weeks in the past, after the 2-2 draw in opposition to Mainz, Baumgart repeated his vow of loyalty. And that was though Ilic had missed an open aim earlier. The striker had performed “such an superior job that it’s not price making a tragedy out of it.”
How can a striker—with such a aim drought—nonetheless be an offensive key participant? “He brings one thing in sure vital conditions that isn’t instantly apparent,” Baumgart tried to elucidate the seemingly inexplicable final autumn.
Happily, we are able to spare ourselves an in depth video evaluation of the fairly pragmatic soccer performed by the Köpenickers. As a result of as soon as once more, a couple of information level us in the suitable course. Baumgart’s soccer depends closely on excessive and second balls. Right here, Ilic is dominant—not even the six-centimeter-taller Jeff Chabot may deny it.
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Based on ‘Opta’, no Bundesliga striker has received extra aerial duels than the Iron Ones’ quantity 23 (68). Nobody has entered as many aerial duels because the 25-year-old (181). He additionally loves to assist out passionately on protection.
In one among his uncommon interviews with the Union membership media final spring, Ilic was requested how he sees his function within the group. Dutifully, he replied that he at all times desires to assist the group. In striker PR college, the subsequent line ought to be “after all, with objectives.” However Ilic thinks of one thing completely totally different first: “I attempt to win the ball in our personal half and leap quite a bit.” Each coach likes to listen to that—and can forgive an extended aim drought at times.
Nonetheless, it’s about time the full-time striker repaid his coach’s belief with some objectives. He and his group definitely shouldn’t be missing in confidence this night. Borussia Dortmund are visiting the Stadion An der alten Försterei, the place BVB have hardly ever regarded good. Since Union’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019, the Köpenickers have received 4 of six dwelling duels—and as we all know, Ilic is aware of keep on prime.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.
📸 Selim Sudheimer – 2025 Getty Pictures