Headline: Felix Keidel’s Free Kick Shines in Elversberg’s 4-1 Over Mainz
SV Elversberg midfielder Felix Keidel earned the title of Man of the Match in the Bundesliga following a dominant 4-1 win against Mainz 05 on Friday evening. The young Germany international ignited the scoring with an impressive seventh-minute free kick and later shared insights with reporters about his execution, Elversberg’s performance, and his hopes for another national team call-up from coach Jürgen Klopp.
The 23-year-old’s expertly taken set piece set the stage for Elversberg’s emphatic victory at the URSAPHARMArena. Francis Onyeka and Maurice Krattenmacher secured further goals before halftime, with substitute Cole Campbell adding the final touch late in the second half.
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Get German Football News also recognized Onyeka as their player of the match. However, it was Keidel who took home the Bundesliga accolade. His latest free-kick success highlighted his significant improvement since head coach Vincent Wagner shifted him back to a central midfield role over the summer.
Keidel Describes His Spectacular Free-Kick Technique
The opening goal followed a foul on Onyeka by Mainz defender Stefan Posch just outside the penalty area in the sixth minute. Keidel approached and curled the ball around the wall, leaving goalkeeper Robin Zentner unable to respond as it nestled in the corner of the net.
After the match, Keidel reflected on the moment, explaining how he identified the opening.
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“I saw that the wall was standing a little further to the left,” Keidel stated. “The right corner was open, and then I tried to put the ball there. It worked out pretty well, you could say.”
This goal marked not the first time Keidel showcased his free-kick prowess this Bundesliga season. He had previously netted an outstanding equalizer during Elversberg’s remarkable 4-3 comeback victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in September.
His two free kicks demonstrate the set-piece talent highlighted in a detailed profile by GGFN highlighted in its detailed September profile of the midfielder. Keidel had also scored directly from a free kick against Strasbourg during preseason, marking him as one of the outstanding performers of Elversberg’s summer training camp.
Dressing Room Free-Kick Competition Sparks Fun
The eye-catching opening goal led to lighthearted questions regarding a wager among teammates about free kick conversions. Keidel was reminded of a competition between Vincent Wagner and Christian Weber concerning who could score the most direct free kicks. When asked if he would benefit from the wager, Keidel clarified that he was not involved.
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“I could have made it three today,” Keidel joked, referencing his missed second free-kick attempt. “[But] No, no, I’m not part of it. That’s between those two.”
Inquiring if Wagner should raise the challenge from three to five free-kick goals, Keidel replied, “I don’t know what’s at stake. But I try to score as many goals as possible, whether they’re free kicks or from open play. Then we’ll see what they might have to do next season.”
Is Another Call-Up in Store for Felix Keidel?
Keidel’s swift development has already created one of the season’s more surprising international stories. The former FC Ingolstadt player was included in Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad in September after just three Bundesliga appearances.
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As noted previously by GGFN previously examined, Keidel had mostly played as a full-back last season but lost his place as Elversberg clinched promotion. Wagner’s decision to move him to central midfield transformed his role on the team. Keidel’s attributes, including running ability, defensive skills, passing precision, and set-piece acumen, made him indispensable to the starting lineup.
Friday’s performance reinforced the qualities that caught Klopp’s eye. When asked if he anticipated a return to the national squad in November, Keidel remained guarded.
“No, there hasn’t been any contact,” he responded when questioned about potential discussions with the national team coach.
He further confirmed that he had not received any calls regarding another selection.
“No, nothing at all.”
However, his contribution on Friday underscored that he deserves consideration for the national team.
