TSG Hoffenheim manager, Christian Ilzer has praised Nigerian striker Gift Orban for his quick adaptation and increasing impact since joining the club in January.
The 22-year-old has scored four goals in seven Bundesliga starts since his €9 million move from Olympique Lyon.
Ilzer has been particularly impressed with Orban’s growing understanding of the team’s tactical setup.
In a statement shared on Hoffenheim’s official website, the manager said, “He has made good progress in understanding our style of play.
“The team recognizes that and that’s why he has become more and more integrated.”
Orban’s playing time has also increased as he settles into the squad.
In his last six games, he has averaged 63 minutes per match, up from 46 minutes per game in his first six appearances for the club.
The striker arrived in Germany following a difficult period in Ligue 1, where he found it hard to make an impression at Lyon.
He managed just one league goal in 13 appearances and scored two more in the Coupe de France.
Orban first gained widespread attention in Europe when he scored the fastest hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Conference League ( ‘3:25).
He finished the 2022/2023 season with an impressive tally of 20 goals in 22 matches.
Despite being called up to the Nigerian national team in 2023, Orban has yet to make his debut for the Super Eagles.
He was also left out of the squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, under current head coach Eric Chelle.
With Hoffenheim currently sitting 14th in the Bundesliga on 27 points, just five clear of the relegation play-off spot, Orban could be key in the club’s fight to stay in the top flight.
