Danso: “I want to play in as many games as possible“

When Martin Hinteregger was out for a few weeks before the winter break, Kevin Danso stepped in and didn’t miss a beat. Recently though, FCA’s young defensive talent has been resigned to looking on from the sidelines. But thanks to the injury to Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, the Austrian’s number has been called upon once again. Despite his age, Kevin Danso has already played in 16 Bundesliga games for FC Augsburg, although due to the blossoming partnership of Martin Hinteregger and Jeffrey Gouweleeuw in recent weeks, he has been something of a second in command. With the injury to Gouweleeuw, however, who will be out for at least a few weeks, Danso will get his fair share of action in the coming games. Head coach Manuel Baum picked out the man who wears the number 38 as his first choice to partner up with Martin Hinteregger: “At the moment, Kevin is the one who will step in for Jeff.” “I always want to be playing,” emphasised Danso. “When you play from the beginning, it’s easier to get yourself into the game.” The next few weeks will offer a big opportunity to the young Austrian to gain experience alongside fellow countryman Hinteregger. “I know him very well, which definitely makes things easier,” he explained when asked about their relationship. “He’s taught me a lot - I try to implement that into my game,” said Danso, who wants “to play in as many games as possible” in the Rückrunde to help aid in his development. Danso on Frankfurt’s Haller: “I’m going to try and make it as hard as possible for him.” On Sunday 4th February at 15:30 CET, Eintracht Frankfurt will be the guests at the WWK ARENA. “We’re going into the game with a lot of ambition and fully motivated to win,” said the youngster. Frankfurt have made a quick start to 2018, after winning seven points from their first three games. But Kevin Danso is quick to remind everyone that “if we concentrate and stick to our plan, we can win this game.” The young central defender will have his hands full on Sunday, as he’ll have Frankfurt's powerful striker Sebastian Haller to deal with. The imposing Frenchman has already scored eight goals this season, so Danso and his defensive teammates really do have their work cut out for them. “He uses his physicality well,” praised the Austrian. Nevertheless, Danso isn’t backing down from the challenge: “I’m going to try and make it as hard as possible for him.” We’ll have to wait until Sunday to see who comes out on top in this battle.