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By Mark Bennett
UEFA - After an excellent season with Bundesliga surprise packages VfL
Bochum 1848, striker Vahid Hashemian was possibly looking forward to the
prospect of playing UEFA Cup football with his current side next season.
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Iranian (left) signed for Hamburg with Mehdi Mahdevikia |
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Bayern move
However it now seems more likely that the 27-year-old will be showcasing
his skills in the UEFA Champions League after he signed a three-year
deal with second-placed FC Bayern München in a €2m deal. After 14
goals in 27 games this season, the club hope the powerful striker can
revitalise their fortunes.
Selling point
"Hashemian is very strong in the air and that is what we were
looking for," said Bayern team manager Uli Hoeness. "None of
our current strikers have got that ability, not even Roy Makaay."
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striker came off worse in a clash with Sunday Oliseh |
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Middling form
While Dutch striker Makaay has shown no shortage of form since his
€17m move to the Olympiastadion from RC Deportivo La Coruña, he has
not been able to lift Bayern back to the form which saw them claim the
Champions League trophy in 2000/01.
Disappointing
campaign
Indeed, many would rate this season as a disappointing one for Bayern,
as they crashed out to Real Madrid CF in the first knockout round of the
Champions League and have all but conceded their Bundesliga crown to SV
Werder Bremen, who are currently eight points clear at the top of the
German table.
No worries
Compared to some of Bayern's superstar players, Iranian international
Hashemian may seem to lack a little in terms of finesse, but he was
reassuringly unconcerned about the prospect of rubbing shoulders with
the brightest stars in German football.
 If
I was scared of the competition at Bayern then I
wouldn't have signed for them  |
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Confident statement
"If I was scared of the competition at Bayern then I wouldn't have
signed for them," he said. "I am sure that I will be given my
chance. Why else would Bayern have signed me? They know exactly what I
can do and I am looking forward to the challenge."
Teething troubles
It took the striker a while to find his feet in Germany after starting
his career in Germany with Hamburger SV. In 12 appearances for the club,
he failed to score, before moving on to Bochum in 2001. "I had a
few problems when I moved to Germany, but I am used to the way of
playing and the style of living now," he said.
Centre stage
The Iranian scored eight goals in the 2001/02 season to help Bochum win
promotion to the top flight. He claimed ten more in 34 games last
season, while 21-goal striker Thomas Christiansen took the limelight,
but this season he has taken centre stage as the most productive
goalscorer in Peter Neurerer's attack-minded side.
Oliseh spat
However, it has not been an entirely trouble-free season for Hashemian.
After a goalless draw against FC Hansa Rostock which was characterised
by an on-field spat between the Iranian and on-loan midfield player
Sunday Oliseh, the two players became involved in an altercation after
the final whistle.
No let-up
Oliseh, on loan
from BV Borussia Dortmund, was subsequently dismissed by Bochum for
allegedly headbutting Hashemian in the tunnel. However, while there may
have been a dip in team spirit in the weeks that followed, Bochum's
resolve rarely faltered, and Hashemian continued to score goals.
Parting gift
If the Iranian can score a few more in his final weeks with the club, he
could yet earn his side a prized place in Europe for the first time
since 1997. It would be a more than appropriate parting gift as he
prepares to seek his fortune at the club the German tabloids like to
call FC Hollywood. |
