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In the upcoming 2025 season, FC St. Pauli's coach Alexander Blessin is considering a strategic shift for one of the club's most valuable players, Eric Smith.
Smith, who has been the driving force in the three-man chain of FC St. Pauli, has shown impressive adaptability, moving from his role as an inner defender to central midfield last season. This transition proved to be a crucial factor in the club's successful relegation survival.
Blessin has expressed his satisfaction with Smith's performance in midfield, confirming that positioning Smith in this role is an option for the coming season. However, he has not committed to one specific position for Smith, hinting at a potential flexibility in the team's formation.
The coach's decision to consider Smith in midfield is part of a broader strategy to address the issues in the interplay between the central defense and midfield of FC St. Pauli. Blessin identified an overload in midfield as a problem when Smith moves up in front of the defensive line.
Despite this potential issue, Smith's impressive ball control and diagonal passes have been a significant asset for the club. His ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively has been instrumental in FC St. Pauli's resurgence over the past two and a half years.
It's worth noting that Smith is FC St. Pauli’s highest-paid player, earning £12,000 per week as of 2025. This wage level, combined with the recognition of his performance in the recent player of the season award, suggests that the coaching staff values Smith's versatility and plans to rely on his midfield capabilities in the upcoming season.
During the current preseason, Smith was moved back into defense. However, Blessin's recent comments indicate that the midfield could still be Smith's primary position in certain games of the coming season.
While no direct coach quotes or tactical plans are available, the wage level and performance recognition strongly suggest that FC St. Pauli’s coach intends to maintain Eric Smith as a key midfielder and influential squad member in the 2025 campaign. For precise tactical roles or formation details, further direct sources or official club communications would be needed.
Eric Smith's versatility in the midfield might be utilized more extensively in the 2025 season, as Coach Alexander Blessin contemplates a strategic adjustment for the club's premier player. Smith's decisive contributions in midfield last season and his impressive skill set, including ball control and diagonal passes, demonstrate his potential impact on European-leagues like the premier-league.
