These are difficult times for Sampdoria. That may not be evident given that the Blucerchiati have avoided relegation with matches to spare, but manager Siniša Mihajlović has been less than happy with some of the recent performances, where some players’ commitment have been questioned.
Sampdoria suffered a 3-0 loss in Atalanta before going on to thrash Verona 5-0 at home. Then another disappointing result followed against Lazio. The manager dished out the punishment he deemed appropriate – 7.30am training sessions. In a sunny (and very warm) Bogliasco we sat down with one of Sampdoria’s most intriguing youngsters, the up-and-coming Shkodran Mustafi. The 22 year-old German, of Albanian origins, talked to us about his career, the Blucerchiati and his plans ahead of the upcoming World Cup:
Of all players to have entered this season aged 21 or under you have been the best-rated centre-back in Europe's top 5 leagues according to WhoScored.com. How do you evaluate your individual performances this season?
I think this is a very important season for me. For a young player, the most important thing is to play on a regular basis and this year I’ve played pretty much every week. Sometimes you do very well in training, but to be playing Saturday or Sunday is still what you want, especially for a youngster like myself with a lot to prove.
Do you think the fact that you've spent time in Germany, England and now Italy has helped develop you into a better all-round player?
It was extremely important. In England I developed physically, because they play a brand of football that is fast, with a lot tackles and you have to be extremely fit and strong to play there. In Italy I learned a lot tactically, and I consider Germany a mix between England and Germany, because the physicality is important, but they pay attention to the tactical aspects as well.
How do the approaches differ between the countries that you have played in and which do you think best suits your playing style?
I think Italian and German football are perfectly suited for me. In England the defenders are very strict to the defensive phase but here in Italy for example, the full backs start to play from the back. I like to take part in the game. I know, I am a defender, but I like to play, assist midfielders and play the game with the ball. I like a physical game like in England, because I am not scared about that, but I prefer an approach like the one in Serie A or Bundesliga.
Communication is key in football, particularly at centre-back. How much has moving around Europe caused issues in this sense?
Communication is imperative, especially for full backs that need to get messages across during the games. I captained the German Under 21 team, and as such had to focus on the verbal aspect of the job. That’s not limited to my teammates, but also the referee. In England (at Everton) it was easy for me, because I studied the language at school in Germany, but it was more complicated at the beginning here in Italy (now he is fluent).
You have developed statistical strengths from WhoScored.com of 'aerial duels', 'ball interception' and 'tackling'. Do you agree that these are the strongest aspects of your game?
Defensively speaking, these are absolutely my strongest tools. But I also like to play with the ball and try to participate “actively” in the game. With a manager like Mihajlović it was easy, because he said to me: ”play the ball, don’t fear to miss it, but try to build from the back”. This is extremely important for a defender and for a young player like me. This improved my style of play a lot.
Are there any areas that you feel that you need to improve upon in particular?
As a youngster, I want to win every ball and all of the duels but obviously it is not possible, so I think my weakest link is patience. Sometimes I am too impatient and that is not good. In the meantime, I have to improve a lot tactically. But the Italian league is very good for that; I learn something new every day here at Sampdoria.
Do you feel that the club is the most stable that it has been in your time in Italy under Siniša Mihajlović and how has the current manager helped to develop your game?
In England I had the same manager for three years and yes, here I have had four managers in less than two years. Every manager has a different approach but, not merely because he is the current manager, under Mihajlović there is a very good feeling. He asked me to start playing from the back and, as I said before, I like it. People who attend our matches know we are now a team with an offensive approach. At the beginning of the season we played only defensively but it’s not the case now. Obviously we give attention to the defensive phase, but as a team, we think offensively.
What do you feel should be the club's aspirations for the end of this season and looking onto the next?
We have very nearly reached our goal, and in a practical sense we have just reached it. We avoided relegation and this is the most important thing. At Sampdoria, I am not the only young player, there are many interesting youngsters so, for the next season, we have to improve together, as single players but especially as a team.
You recently received a first call-up for the senior national side. How much hope do you hold with regards to forcing your way into the coach's plans ahead of the World Cup?
I am not able to think about the national team or the World Cup now. I am playing in Serie A and I have to think only of Sampdoria and to improve my style of play. I was extremely happy when Joachim Löw called me up to take part in the friendly in March (against Chile) and it will be brilliant if another call arrives in the next month, but for now, Sampdoria is the main interest for me.
Are there any defenders, both past and present, whose playing style and ability that you admire in particular?
Yes, I really, really admired Rio Ferdinand, and do to this day. I followed him in every match when I was in England and he is the type of defender that I like. Good defensively, but very good on the ball, and also very skilful.
Who is the best player that you have played with in your career, and who is the best that you have come up against?
I played in the Germany youth teams with Mario Götze, who is a wonderful player. He is 22 like me, but he is a phenomenon, an extremely skilful player. In Germany I also played alongside Philipp Lahm, who probably lost his last ball in 1960… (he laughs)! As an opponent, it was extremely difficult to play against Fernando Llorente of Juventus. He is tall, physically strong and he is also a very good player. Fortunately, we have now played two times against him this season!
Have you been impressed with Shkodran Mustafi this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
