Jurgen Ekkelenkamp made a dream debut at Hertha BSC on Friday evening. The midfielder graced his debut for the Bundesliga club with a lightning-fast goal in the 2-1 win at home against Greuther Fürth. “It was an emotional moment,” Ekkelenkamp responded after the final whistle on German television.
Ekkelenkamp, who was taken over from Ajax earlier this summer, replaced Kevin-Prince Boateng after an hour of play. More than a minute later, he was already accurate: with a header from a corner, the 21-year-old youth international equalized in Berlin. Hertha also came in 2-1. Ekkelenkamp appeared to be the winner, but Greuther Fürth defender Maximilian Bauer appeared to have touched the ball last and was therefore credited with an own goal.
The main man tonight???? Have a great night, Hertha fans! ???#BSCSGF #GemeinsamHertha #HaHoHe pic.twitter.com/8w9pQe3FI7
— Hertha Berlin (@HerthaBSC_EN) September 17, 2021
“I was waiting on the bench for the moment I would come in. That happens and I score within two minutes. That’s great of course. Now I hope to be important for the team with more goals and assists.” kicker described Ekkelenkamp as ‘the Joker of Berlin’. “The substitutes Ekkelenkamp, Davie Selke and Richter brought a lot of energy and put themselves in the spotlight against the tired players of Greuther Fürth. The difference was made by the Joker of Berlin and an own goal.”
“After his goal, his Bundesliga debut was not yet finished!” BILD to read. “After a pass from Richter, Bauer tried to eliminate Ekkelenkamp’s effort, but he shot the ball into his own goal. Hertha’s second win in a row because the Blitz Joker strikes.” Thanks to the win, Hertha climbs to ninth place with six points from five games. Greuther Fürth remains behind with one point.
The Berlin newspaper Der Tagesspiegel was also impressed. “This is how you can do it when you’re new and people don’t really know you yet. Hit the drum right away so everyone knows you’re there. Ekkelenkamp was on the field for less than a minute when he opened a good chance for Hertha with a smart pass. And it got even better. What a debut.” In addition to Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Ekkelenkamp for Hertha, Nick Viergever and Jetro Willems came into action for Fürth. Willems was substituted in the second half.