The injury to RB Leipzig captain Willi Orban has led to the next step in Mohamed Simakan's development. "I've gained experience and played many games at a high level. That's why I can give the defense stability, be a decisive player for them, a leader," the 23-year-old told the football magazine "Kicker". Simakan has been promoted to the role of defensive leader due to Orban's knee injury and has played in all 22 competitive matches this season.
Orban tore a collateral ligament in his knee while playing for the Hungarian national team in September. The 31-year-old is not expected to return until the new year. Since then, Simakan and his French compatriot Castello Lukeba have formed the duo in central defense. "I'm always by his side to explain to him where he can improve and how the game works in Germany," Simakan said of the new arrival from Olympique Lyon.
Simakan's new role has also changed his demeanor. "I speak more often on the pitch, I have the confidence to speak up more often in games," said Simakan, who arrived from Strasbourg in the summer of 2021. "I don't have to be a loudspeaker, but as a defensive player you have to push the players in front of you to support them."
