Noel Aseko earns Frankfurt praise after Bundesliga debut

Noël Aséko has strengthened his case for a larger role at Eintracht Frankfurt after impressing on his first Bundesliga start in the 3-1 win over Mainz.

The midfielder partnered Raphael Onyedika in central midfield and earned praise from head coach Adi Hutter before Saturday’s match against Freiburg.

“For his first game in the Bundesliga, he played a really good match,” Hutter said. The coach believes Aseko is steadily finding his rhythm and has formed “a good partnership in central midfield” with Onyedika.

Despite the encouraging debut, Frankfurt intend to manage the youngster’s development carefully. Hutter said the aim is for Aseko eventually to deliver at a high level for 90 minutes, but he stressed the importance of patience. “You have to handle people carefully,” he explained, adding that regular matches will help the player build greater physical reserves.

Aseko has moved ahead in the battle for midfield places, although Hutter has not promised him a permanent starting role. Mario Gotze, Oscar Hojlund and Fares Chaibi remain alternative options, ensuring competition will remain intense.

“It is naturally a little uncomfortable for them at the moment. But I am not going to drop them now,” Hütter said of those competing for places.