Overview
- After spending the summer as a sale candidate and skipping the U.S. training camp, the 29-year-old returned to the XI for a second straight start in Cologne.
- He scored the 2:1 just before halftime in the 4–3 victory, his first Eintracht goal since November 2024.
- Injuries to Oscar Hojlund and Hugo Larsson, plus recent squad churn, created openings in defensive midfield that he seized.
- Sporting director Markus Krösche highlighted his ball-possession quality and vertical passing, while coach Dino Toppmöller praised his persistence and performance levels in training.
- Reporting indicates he is likely to see further minutes under Toppmöller, including in the upcoming Champions League match, with some analysis urging winter midfield reinforcements.