Hoffenheim manager Christian Ilzer has expressed his confidence in Gift Orban’s potential, describing him as a distinctive player with the ability to become a prolific goal scorer when seamlessly integrated into the team.
The Bundesliga club announced on Thursday the signing of Orban from Olympique Lyon on a four-and-a-half-year contract, which runs until the end of the 2028/2029 season.
Considering how well the striker performed for Gent and, before that, for Norwegian club Stabaek, his time in France was a let-down, yielding just five goals in 21 outings.
Ilzer believes the Nigerian forward has the potential to spark a turnaround in fortunes, a belief partly inspired by the success stories of Manchester United striker Rasmus Höjlund and Mika Biereth, who thrived under his guidance over the years.
Ilzer highlights success with strikers as he places faith in Orban
In a recent interview with Kicker, Ilzer spoke highly of Orban's potential, likening him to other special talents he has worked with.
“He scored brutally,” Ilzer said, stressing Orban's unique qualities.
“Of course he's a special character. I've worked with a lot of guys, like Höjlund, who are just special. They're not good, streamlined guys. Otherwise, they can't hurt the opponent.
“They're exposed characters in a wide variety of forms. They're goal scorers, and if you integrate them well, they'll score.”
“We managed to increase the goal rate extremely for all the strikers who were in my teams. Rasmus Höjlund didn't score in a row at Copenhagen either. Mika Biereth wasn't a goal machine either, but he has become one.
“He (Orban) can certainly score goals if you manage to integrate him well into the team.”
