In Kosovo, he is the third choice for attack. But in the Bundesliga, Fisnik Asllani is currently shining.
The 23-year-old scored twice in Hoffenheim's 4-2 win over Union Berlin on Saturday. Asllani was born in Berlin and spent part of his development at Union.
In the first round of the Bundesliga, the tall player had a goal and an assist in a 2:1 away win over Bayer Leverkusen. In the second round, Asllani was left "without a contribution" in a 3:1 defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Three goals and one assist in the first three games is a very satisfactory balance for the Kosovar. He also has a goal and an assist in a match for the German Cup.
Against Union Berlin, Hoffenheim also started Leon Avdullahu in midfield and Albian Hajdari in the center of defense.
Avdullahu, like Asllani, is a representative of Kosovo. Hajdari could become one, although he played for Switzerland.
The German media outlet, "Kicker", has dedicated an article to Asllani and his return to his hometown and the club where he grew up. It wrote how Asllani came up against the local goalkeeper in the fifth minute, but did not score. After such a situation, many attackers would suffer, but not Asllani, writes the German newspaper.
Asllani was named man of the match for the second time this season.
"This fills me with pride," Asllani said after the match. "In general, it is very, very difficult to win here in Berlin. The last few years have proven this and other teams have failed here as well. That's why I'm very happy that we were able to beat a good Union team, which is always difficult to play against. I'm very proud of that. It's also my city and scoring two goals here makes me proud," added the Kosovo striker.
Asllani left Union Berlin after playing for the U19 team, due to lack of space. He was transferred to Hoffenheim. After loan spells at Austria Vienna and Elversberg, he is proving to be an important player for Hoffenheim.
"I've never played in this stadium when it was full. To score two goals afterwards is a very good thing. Friends are here, my family traveled for this occasion, many former colleagues. Even old teachers were here," Asllani said.
He is pleased with the way the team reacted after the defeat by Frankfurt. He said that since the beginning of the match they have adhered to the coach's demands. Hoffenheim now awaits Bayern, in a very difficult match. It will be a good opportunity to show the level of the team and also for Asllani to appear on the big stage again.
Last season he excelled at Elversberg in the Bundesliga 2, with 18 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances. In the previous ten Bundesliga matches with Hoffenheim, in 2021, 2022 and 2023, he had not scored a goal. But now he has exploded and is proving that he is ready for the German elite league.