Daichi Kamada's appearance in the goalless 0-0 against Fürth?

Quite a disaster.

The 25-year-old Japanese in the service of Frankfurt Eintracht was weak and therefore far from scoring.

Kamada, who can do much better on good days with his strong technique, has to improve enormously this Thursday (9 p.m.) in the Europa League home game against the giants FC Barcelona.

George Daniels

Editor in the sports department

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And in all probability he will do so in the quarter-finals.

Because the appearances on the big European stage are his passion and his favorite venues.

The midfielder has four goals in eight games so far.

Overall, Kamada has ten goals in 24 matches, plus three assists.

For him, the kick-off in the Europa League is often the starting signal for good performances.

In the second most important European competition, Kamada likes to slip into the king's role.

Agile and light-footed

The game designer has also shown appealing games in the Bundesliga.

He knows how to shine when he feels like it.

Then hardly anyone can fool him with his maneuverability and light-footedness.

But there are also encounters with him in which the artist in Kamada does not come to the fore.

In which the Japanese may hardly succeed.

In which he seems to get in his own way.

Kamada's body language then quickly signals his resignation and desperation.

So far he has enjoyed three goals and two assists in Bundesliga matches.

But the director needed 26 games for this.

Those responsible cannot say why Kamada's performance curve usually rises steeply in the Europa League.

It could be the attraction that emanates from the magical Frankfurt European Cup evenings.

Preliminary climax

Which also drive Kamada to peak performance.

In a special atmosphere, they give him the feeling of having to achieve something great.

And that strengthen his reputation if he is able to set highlights.

With top performances, Kamada can play a prominent place in the notebooks of the scouts of leading European clubs.

Seen in this way, the showdown with Barcelona is the high point for the time being: With two good performances, Kamada will enjoy new, great appreciation on the player market.

In the round of 16 first leg at Betis Sevilla, Kamada was responsible for the 2-1 winner.

Like most of his Frankfurt colleagues, the Japanese has never met Barcelona in a competitive match.

Only goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, who lost 6-1 at Barca with Paris St. Germain in the Champions League in March 2017 after a 4-0 first-leg win and has since spoken of his "worst defeat", and captain Sebastian Rode - he played in 2015 Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals against the Catalans - know what it's like to actively compete with the celebrity from Spain at the top level.

“second biggest game in club history”

They will play their first competitive game against Frankfurt this Thursday.

After two friendlies in 1973 and 1976 on Spanish soil between the two clubs, Barcelona grace the Arena in Frankfurt for the first time.

Significantly, after beating Sevilla 1-0 last Sunday, Barcelona coach Xavi didn't have to answer any questions about the upcoming opponent.

For the Spaniards, the Frankfurters were obviously not worth mentioning.

For the Hessians, Barcelona is "the second biggest game in the club's history" (coach Oliver Glasner) after the 1960 final against Real Madrid.

The contrasts could hardly be greater.

“We will need a fantastic day twice.

An outstanding defense and efficiency on the offensive,” said Glasner with regard to the first and second leg.

Defense chief Martin Hinteregger, who was yellow-banned against Fürth, will probably strengthen Eintracht's defense again.

The Austrian national player is likely to be preferred to old master Makoto Hasebe because Hinteregger's robustness and speed make him a better match for opponents such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

In attack, which proved harmless against Fürth, Glasner will have to choose between Rafael Borré and Goncalo Paciencia.

Kamada's use, however, should not be up for discussion.

Special games allow the Japanese to achieve remarkable things.