Jonathan Burkardt is the hot topic in Germany. The young Mainz striker is also a Germany U-21 player (15 U21 caps/ six goals), and he recently received a call from Hansi Flick, the Germany national team coach himself. The reason? After 11 rounds in the Bundesliga, he scored five league goals and an assist to go with three DFB Cup goals His brace in a 4-1 win over Augsburg was seen by Hansi Flick, and the coach decided to call the young striker who, so far, represented his country at U15, U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, and U21 level. In total, he has 38 youth international caps to his name and 16 goals.Sule Covid positive, four more German players in quarantineBut, the prelude to Hansi’s call was a little weird.”Last week I had two missed calls from an unknown number, and since I had water damage, I thought it was the plumbing service. I called back, nobody answered. Then came another call back, I answered, but didn’t know that Hansi Flick is calling me, so the conversation started. He said that I was on his ‘screen’. That is a great form of appreciation for me. I was very pleased that he called me personally” explained Burkardt.(1.01) GERMANY (30.0) LIECHTENSTEIN (70.0)Unfortunately, the conversation didn’t have a satisfactory ending. Hansi Flick called the youngster to praise his recent form and commitment, but the pair unanimously came to the conclusion that it is currently better and more important for him to fill his role as captain of the U21s, which, unlike the A team, has not yet qualified for the next major tournament. They already have four wins out of four games in the European Championship qualifications and are playing against Poland on Friday. But the good thing is, when Flick calls him next time in order to transfer him to a senior squad, Burkard will have his number memorized.
