Jonathan Burkardt, a 25-year-old striker, has quickly become a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt following his summer transfer from Mainz. His last three performances inside the Octagon have amazed crowds and commentators alike. He’s now scored six in his last six appearances! This current run of form only scratches the surface of his immense ability to truly impact Frankfurt’s title push this year.
Burkardt, last season, proved his elite goal scoring talents. With 18 goals scored for Mainz, he ended the season as the fourth-highest scorer in the Bundesliga. He’s been a reliable scorer this season. He is now third in goals scored from open play in the Bundesliga since the start of last season. Under the guidance of coach Bo Henriksen, Burkardt netted 24 goals in 40 Bundesliga games, solidifying his reputation as a formidable striker.
In the spring of 2024, Burkardt played a crucial role in helping Mainz avoid relegation, scoring eight goals in just 13 games. His performance flashed his key importance to the team. It further highlighted his durability, coming after his strong recovery from a knee injury he suffered back in November 2022. A few weeks earlier in April, he scored against Eintracht Frankfurt, demonstrating his knack for the dramatic against elite competition.
Burkardt’s Champions League debut was historic, indeed. In doing so, he became the first German player in more than three decades to score a goal and register an assist in his debut in the esteemed tournament. His mix of finishing and intensity as a high presser has helped him become a difference-making homegrown player. Coach Henriksen noted that Burkardt’s work-rate is impressive, stating, “He made a crazy turnaround. It is incredible what he has done.”
Henriksen’s coaching approach has played a significant role in Burkardt’s development. The coach engaged in discussions with him about playing as a clear No. 9, ensuring that Burkardt occupies a position that maximizes his strengths. “If you want to play as a clear No 9, why should we play you in a position that maybe only fits you 80 percent? We have somebody else who can play in that other position. We need to see if we can make everybody play at 100 percent,” Henriksen explained.
Burkardt’s positioning is already starting to prove prescient. He’s really good in an up and down swagger that allows him to work in and around the box. “We played a little bit more in the half space, a little bit more on the sides and it became easier for him to go into the box and get on the end of crosses,” Henriksen added.
It’s not just Burkardt’s self-confidence and leadership that’s produced his effective play on the pitch. Life, after all, is all about attitude and he has got the attitude. He is a fantastic leader. That’s what makes this such a treat, to see the growth he’s produced through development,” said Henriksen.
After a brilliant start to the campaign at Frankfurt, Burkardt recently announced his intention to commit his international future to Germany, spelling out his World Cup ambitions. His extraordinary life’s journey started in Mainz. Now, he’s one of the stars of Eintracht Frankfurt, serving as an inspiration to young footballers all over.
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