Now 25, it seemed only yesterday that Fiorentina’s newest signing Marko Marin was being heralded as the ‘German Lionel Messi’ and the heir to Mesut Ozil. High expectations have always been bestowed upon the diminutive German since making his debut for Borussia Monchengladbach as an 18-year-old in 2007 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the German second division.
Two glittering seasons with the Monchengladbach were enough for Werder Bremen to spend €8.2 million to bring the spiky-haired starlet to the Weserstadion. His first season at Bremen was a success as he formed part of an exciting trident alongside Aaron Hunt and Ozil. The trio dazzled the Bundesliga with their intricate interplay which resulted in Marin notching up four league goals and eleven assists in his debut season with Bremen. Very much in the shadow of Ozil, this was a positive for Marin, as it meant he could could be liberated from the pressure of the spotlight.
Coming in at only 1.70 meters tall and weighing only 67 kilograms, Marin does not match the typical frame of the modern footballer. Blessed with electric pace and a low center of gravity, the little German is a constant menace to the opposition, tormenting defences at every opportunity he gets. Explosive bursts, mesmerizing dribbles and tricky wing-play have all been features of Marin’s game as he blossomed into one of the Bundesliga’s more dangerous wingers.
Unfortunately, his first season with Bremen was his most impressive in his career thus far. Following the departure of Ozil to Real Madrid the subsequent season, Marin failed to handle the responsibility of being his side’s chief playmaker. With the youngster having been burdened with the duty of being his side’s primary distributor, Marin was forced to drop deeper to initiate attacks and play more centrally, which often left him crowded out of games. The change negated his strengths and resulted in a much less productive season.
In his third season at Bremen, Marin didn’t fare any better. He ended up scoring only one goal in 21 matches and it appeared that the young magician had lost his spark. In a bizarre move however, English Premier League giants Chelsea had been convinced enough to sign the trickster for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2012.
The change of scenery did not help any however. Marin struggled badly for playing time in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, firstly under Roberto Di Matteo, and then under interim boss Rafa Benitez. A series of injuries and lack of opportunities meant that Marin only made 15 appearances in all competitions for the Blues, scoring a solitary goal.
The club realized that the German’s need for more consistent playing time, as thus sent him out on loan to Sevilla last season.
Despite a promising start to life in Seville, Marin quickly faded away towards the second half of the season. A hamstring injury suffered in October did not help matters any more, and despite being one of Sevilla’s most impressive performers in the first few months of the campaign, Marin soon became nothing more than an after-thought by season’s end.
Again tested by coach Unai Emery in a central position, it was evident that Marin struggled when given duties as the main playmaker. His lack of composure in front of goal makes him an idle threat when charged with a goal scoring opportunity, and it is clear to see that he is more of a provider than a goalscorer. Nevertheless, a four assists in 18 league games meant that his spell in La Liga wasn’t a complete waste.
How Marin fits into this Fiorentina lineup, only Montella knows. In theory, Marin will struggle to find a spot in the coach’s favored 3-5-2 system. What is in the German’s favour is that Montella likes to change formation depending on the opposition, which means he alternates to his other favourite formation of 4-3-3 frequently throughout the season. The latter will suit Marin to a tee, and can see him establish himself in his preferred position of left wing.
Time is running out for Marin to really make a name for himself in European football. Previously a regular fixture for the German national team, Marin hasn’t represented his country since 2010. At Fiorentina, he will have a coach in Vincenzo Montella that shows huge faith in his players and is known to nurture style and growth, not just results.
Follow Marco Credentino on Twitter at: @bigcreds
