Defensive Play of the Weekend: Tomas “La Foca” Rincon (HSV)

Defense and Hamburg don’t really go together at the moment. A 4-2 drubbing at the hands of Leverkusen last week, was followed up by a 4-3 defeat against Anderlecht in the Europa League. As such, cutting the number of conceded goals in half in their draw against Schalke this Sunday must already be regarded as a major improvement. Contributing to the slight reversal in defensive fortunes was Hamburg’s Venezuelan jack of all trades Tomas Rincon.

Hamburg had taken a first half lead, thanks to a badly cleared free-kick by Manuel Neuer and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s always amazing finishing. Schalke came back fighting in the second half and turned the match around thanks to a Kuranyi header and Rakitic penalty. Schalke were clearly in control at this point and substitute striker Edu then had the golden opportunity to put the match beyond doubt in the 74th minute. Admittedly Rincon contributed to it, by putting Edu onside, but he made up for it with the above artistic and comical goal line clearance. A move which prompted some fans to suggest that Rincon’s nickname should be La Foca (Fur Seal) from now on. Just three minutes later Hamburg equalized to rescue a point.

Rincon, even without a nickname and signature defensive move, is on his way to become a new fan favorite at Hamburg. As a defensive midfielder his tacklings and playing style reminds some of Nigel de Jong, while his spirited performances and workrate make fans miss Ivica Olic less and less each day.

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Category: Bundesliga