What a start! Eric Martel, who was born in Straubing, last made his debut in the Austrian Bundesliga when he was just 18 years old. And in doing so, he took with him all the ups and downs of being a footballer: in the first match he was thrown off the field, in the second game he scored his first goal. “Yes, that was pretty eventful”he grins. Of course, the majority of football fans are not yet familiar with Martel. But scene connoisseurs rave about the defensive specialist with guard. Does Martel have what it takes to be the next Bundesliga player from Lower Bavaria? We spoke to the amazingly precocious teenager who once discovered his love for round leather at RSV Ittling.
If you listen to Eric Martel, you don’t get the feeling that someone is talking to you when you are only 18 years old. Determined, tidy and reflective – this is how the young man presents himself. While many at his age are pondering what they want to do with their lives, Martel has a clear plan: He wants to get to the top, Bundesliga is his goal. And that’s only consistent if you take a look at your vita.
He subordinates everything to the dream of a professional footballer, and moves out of home very early. “When I was 15 I went to boarding school in Leipzig. I had to learn to be self-employed quickly.” It was noticed early on that Martel had more talent than most of the others. He earned his first merits at SSV Jahn Regensburg, and as a younger generation he was able to attract attention in the regional league. Contact to Leipzig is then made through Thomas Schneider. The former assistant coach of national coach Jogi Löw also lives in Straubing, everyone knows each other. “I spoke extensively with Thomas about Leipzig. He said at the time that something big was emerging.”, reveals Martel. He drives to the Saxon metropolis and auditions for RB. “I was able to convince in the trial training, but it was made clear to me: I’m not that athletic yet.”
Lonely sprint exercises with dad.
Instead of burying his head in the sand, he takes the criticism to heart and really starts: “Afterwards I worked hard on myself. I went to the tartan track with my dad alone and I did Sprinted over and over again to improve my speed. ” This episode characterizes Eric Martel quite well. He has the bite to assert himself in professional football in the shark tank. He says about himself: “I would say that I have a mentality that sets me apart. I have tremendous ambitions.” This will takes him further. He is developing splendidly in the Leipzig Youth Training Center (NLZ). In the 2019/20 season he will become the undisputed regular player in the Sachsen U19 Bundesliga. His strong performances are not hidden from professional coach Julian Nagelsmann. “I was allowed to train with the professionals again and again and was even in the first team a number of times”, emphasizes Martel. Shortly before Christmas, the time has come: in the 3-0 DFB Cup victory in Augsburg, he makes his professional debut. In the 88th minute he, the A youth player, comes on.
Eric Martel (on the ball) in action for the U19 of RB Leipzig. Photo: Kraus –
Many 18-year-olds would be very happy with it. Not so Eric Martel, he always wants more. But he also knows: In the top squad of the Bundesliga runners-up, it will be difficult to play consistently. Short assignments are not enough for him – and he decides to turn his back on Leipzig, at least temporarily. “One of the reasons for this was the uncertain situation in the Junior Bundesliga. I should be able to play in the U19 for another six months. But nobody knows what will happen next. That’s why I decided to loan it to Austria.”
There are really only problems in the kitchen.
Eric Martel has been in Vienna for a good two weeks now. Until summer 2022 he is under contract with the traditional club Austria. “I’ve already settled in well in my own apartment. I only have problems with cooking, I have to do it myself now. It doesn’t work so well yet, that’s why I usually have pasta.”, he laughs. He has played three games so far, two in the league and one in the cup. Especially the two league games had it all. In his first match he was thrown off the pitch because of a yellow and red card. But it suits Eric Martel that he didn’t let that put him off track. On the contrary: In the next game against WSG Tirol he promptly took the lead. In the cup against RB Salzburg he was on the field for 90 minutes, but could not prevent a 2-0 defeat either. What makes the youngster apart from his mental strength? “As a defensive midfielder, I trust my strength in tackling. In terms of running, I have to be at a top level in this position anyway. In addition to my header strength, I would also say that I can bring calm and structure into the game.”
Austria’s highest league as the perfect shop window.
In the Alpine republic, Eric Martel has a clear goal: “Austria is a very good platform for young players. I want to recommend myself here.” In order to return to Leipzig in the summer of 2022 with a lot of match practice in his luggage. With all the hustle and bustle, he hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. He is at home in Straubing once or twice a month and visits family and friends. “I still have a lot of contacts in my homeland. I’m very down to earth there.” And maybe he’ll be able to stop by RSV Ittling again soon. The people at his old club would certainly be happy – and maybe one day they can say: Eric Martel’s international career began here in Ittling.
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