Ernest Poku has adapted so well and so quickly - Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes

Ernest Poku has made a spectacular entrance at Bayer Leverkusen, surpassing expectations as one of the club’s most impressive summer signings.

The 21-year-old Dutch-Ghanaian winger, acquired for 10 million euros from AZ Alkmaar, has quickly established himself as a key player under coach Kasper Hjulmand. Poku’s impressive attributes, speed, depth, and efficiency, have brought a fresh dynamic to Leverkusen’s attacking play.

In just ten Bundesliga appearances, Poku has been involved in six goals, scoring four and assisting two. This rapid adaptation has surprised even the club’s management. Sporting director Simon Rolfes told Kicker, “It happened very fast. We didn’t expect a player from a smaller league to adapt so well and so quickly.” He highlighted how Poku seized his opportunity following Nathan Tella’s injury.

Rolfes describes Poku as a player who is “a weapon in certain moments” and lauds his ability to use his athleticism to provide balance and threat in open spaces. Poku himself admits, “I did not expect this from the start. But things can happen quickly, and you have to be ready—and I am.”

Despite his breakthrough, Rolfes sees even more potential for Poku, especially in his combinations and penalty-area decision-making. Poku’s mix of athleticism, learning ability, and effectiveness has made him far more than a mere backup, he’s become Leverkusen’s new secret weapon, ready for even greater challenges.

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