Loan Update: Julian Green Makes Debut for Hamburger SV

Tone on Loan

Julian Green, Hamburger SV

Match Result: 0-2 L @ Hannover 96

Green played a half of action on his much anticipated debut in the north, starting on the right for Hamburg. He did not stay there long though, Mirko Slomka moving him over to the left to spark anything he could on offense. He had flashes of promise, including a spectacular delivery to Pierre-Michel Lasogga. He made a curious effort tracking back though, making the effort to assist the defense and then not really closing down the ball. He will have to adjust to consistent minutes in Hamburg, as will the four others who made their debuts in red shorts on the weekend.

Jan Kirchhoff, FC Schalke 04

Match Result: 1-4 L @ Borussia Monchengladbach

After coming off in the first half in Schalke's match against Bayern, Kirchhoff was diagnosed with a light tendon injury in his left knee. He was not available following the international break, and perhaps he should have been. Schalke lost 1-4 to Borussia Monchengladbach ahead of their Champions League match against Chelsea, Marco Höger and Roman Neustädter playing in holding midfield as Kaan Ayhan had to slide in next to Benedikt Höwedes. His knee trouble could be more of a problem, but Schalke are hoping that the 23-year-old will return soon with a busy league and cup schedule over the next few weeks.

Buyback Brigade

Raif Husic, SV Werder Bremen

Match Result: 3-3 D @ Bayer Leverkusen

As if it was not clear before, his third consecutive team sheet appearance in the Bundesliga has secured his status as Raphael Wolf's backup. Is sitting on the bench behind a below-average goalkeeper the best way to develop though? The way Bremen has started matches – they have allowed a goal within the first 20 minutes in all three of their Bundesliga matches – it is within the realm of possibility that Husic gets his first Bundesliga start before his 19th birthday in February.

Alessandro Schöpf, 1. FC Nürnberg

Match Result: 0-2 L vs. Fortuna Düsseldorf

For the first time this season, Ismaël Válerin did not play Alessandro Schöpf. The 20-year-old Austrian had played every minute in Nürnberg's previous three matches, so a rest is not all that surprising. Jan Polak and Robert Koch did not do much in his place, as Düsseldorf was able to keep a clean sheet in an empty Grundig-Stadion. He only has one assist on the season, but he has plenty of time to prove he is worthy of a spot.

Going Halvsies

Diego Contento, Girondins de Bordeaux

Match Result: 1-2 L @ En Avant Guingamp

Contento's performance was not his best to say the least, but the same applies to Bordeaux in general. There were curious marking decisions that could be a mix of his astuteness and his assignment. He could have been guilty of a hand ball in the second half before he made a spectacular goal-line clearance. He did not come forward as often as he has previously this season, so his offensive impact was minimal. He remains the primary option at fullback for Willy Sagnol, who he will still have plenty of time to find his feet in Ligue 1.