Derby County's search for a striker has been well documented during this transfer window. The latest name to be linked is that of Serdar Dursun, the SV Darmstadt striker. Who is he? Well, we spoke to a couple of people who know all about him. Daniel from Hoch und weit a SV Darmstadt podcast and Matthew from The 2. Bundesliga Podcast give us the low-down on the latest player linked with The Rams!
What type of player is Serdar Dursun?
Daniel: Some of us nicknamed him "Second Division-Zlatan". He is not only the spitting image of the big Zlatan Ibrahimović , he can be nearly as good as him from time to time. An out and out striker with a natural instinct. Dursun can head and shoot and annoy the opposition players. He's a player you love to have in your team and you'll hate him when he's playing for the opposition team.
Dursun is a good mixture of a goal poacher as well as a link-up type of striker. He can set-up goals for his strike partners.
Matthew: Dursan is a physical, strong and pretty quick player in open play. Typically good at holding possession and playing the ball to a teammate. He is the prototypical 2. Bundesliga striker.
If the move goes through, what can Derby fans expect from him?
Daniel: Goals, emotions and a man bun. Dursun can be frustrating from time to time, as he really want to score every time and tends to over look team-mates in better positions. But he proved himself here at SV Darmstadt in the last few seasons as a prolific goal scorer.
Matthew: Derby should expect someone with a high work rate and an appetite for goal. While he hasn’t scored in the opening two fixtures this season. Dursan has been a threat in front of goal.
What are his strengths?
Daniel: Good in the air and with the ball on his feet. He's all-round quite good. His technique is good and an intelligent guy football-wise.
Matthew: His biggest strengths are holding possession up and allowing the midfield to join the attack. He is also a more than capable goal scoring, 16 league goals last season. His is underrated with his defensive outputs and he's very good in the tackle.
What are his weaknesses?
Daniel: From time to time his body language can be very frustrating as it seemed that he can't be bothered. He needs a lot of confidence from the manager to fulfill his potential. Also, he is not the quickest player.
Matthew: Sometimes Dursan is a bit erratic in front of goal. He does spurn some big chances!
What has been the highlight of his time at SV Darmstadt?
Daniel: He was outstanding last season at home against Regensburg. Darmstadt were a goal behind. He won a penalty in 75th minute and took the ball away from the regular penalty taker. In spectacular and provocative manner he skied the ball. Fans were furious and demanded his substitution only for Serdar to score twice in the 88th and 90th minute. But of course we only drew thanks to a blunder by our goalie in the 94th minute!
Matthew: Highlight would probably his performance against Hamburger SV, scored a brace as Darmstadt came from behind twice to draw 2-2. It led to Dursan scoring in the following two games.
Would you consider him a success at SV Darmstadt?
Daniel: 100%!
Matthew: Dursan has been a success for Darmstadt. When you consider in his career prior to Darmstadt he had only managed double figures in goals only twice (14/15 for Fatih Karagümrük and 16/17 at Greuther Fürth) he has done that in both seasons at Darmstadt (11 and 16)
Is he a regular starter for SV Darmstadt? Would he be a miss for the team?
Daniel: First name on the team sheet for me. Please don't sign him!
Matthew: Darmstadt typically with one striker and Dursan is the preferred option. He would be a significant loss to the team when you consider the second best scorer was Tobias Kempe with seven. Not to mention if he leaves, they only have one striker on the books (Felix Platte).
How has he started this season? Is he in good form? Has he played many games?
Daniel: Started two out of two, was especially in the first game against Sandhausen unlucky not to score as the opposition keeper had a brilliant day.
Matthew: The 2. Bundesliga season is still young, he has featured in both games but failed to score.
In comparison to other Bundesliga 2, strikers how good is he?
Daniel: Amongst the top 3. He offers so much for a team.
Matthew: He is a good second tier striker in the league, not as good as Simon Terodde (at Hamburger SV) but he is still a very good option at 2. Bundesliga level.
Do you think he has the tools and ability to succeed in England with Derby?
Daniel: Haven't seen Derby or the Championship for a while to be honest. But he is a type of player who can succeed everywhere with the correct background and support. He succeeded here in Darmstadt in a team that mainly played kick'n'rush (in his first years here) as well as in a team that played in a passing style (in the last year)
Matthew: I think Dursan can succeed in the Championship with Derby as long as he is provided service, he has the physical strength to match it with the centre halves and has a good turn of speed. It would be an interesting watch!