In the second half of the 2022/23 season, Ludovic Ajorque in the Mainz 05 jersey was an important building block in achieving a single-digit place in the table. Since then, the Frenchman has been in a constant slump.
Instructions before substitution: Jan Siewert (left) speaks to Ludovic Ajorque. imago images
After a bit of a start-up period, the six-million-dollar man from Racing Strasbourg, who was signed in the winter, made a huge impression in the spring. With six goals and three assists, Ludovic Ajorque played a key role in a ten-game unbeaten streak that ended abruptly after a sensational 3-1 win against FC Bayern. Afterwards, the 29-year-old Frenchman and most of his teammates said goodbye to their long-term low form, which led to the separation from coach Bo Svensson last week.
This was followed by a 2-0 win against RB Leipzig, the first three points after 14 winless league games. Ajorque’s part in this was relatively small. Coach Jan Siewert only ordered his number 17 onto the field in the 90th minute; he was supposed to help the team survive the five-minute stoppage time unscathed. Recently, Ajorque’s playing times have become shorter rather than longer. Karim Onisiwo, who scored both goals against Leipzig, replaced him as a center striker.
Personally, Ajorque’s start to the season was not very successful. After the 1.96 meter striker scored a penalty to give Mainz a 1-0 win at SV Elversberg in the first round of the DFB Cup, he immediately missed the mark on matchday 1 at Union Berlin (1:4) a few days later two penalties, creating a Bundesliga first. Mainz is now the only team that has not yet scored from a penalty in 2023/24.
Efficiency has improved
The FSV could use a good Ajorque in the relegation battle. With his physical style of play, he can secure the ball at the top and, at his best, also provides valuable services against the ball. In addition, rival strikers Nelson Weiper and Jonathan Burkardt are still unavailable after operations.
Overall, the number of offensive players is rather small; Brajan Gruda was recently missing due to a wound on his foot. It was all the more important that efficiency improved again. Jae-Sung Lee and Leandro Barreiro scored two goals against Leipzig from just four chances to score.
2023-11-08 10:53:15
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