EXCLUSIVE: WhoScored Speaks to Eintracht Frankfurt's Marco Fabián

With the Bundesliga making its grand return in a week’s time, teams are making their final preparations for the coming campaign. Eintracht Frankfurt are one who will be gearing up for another season in the top flight of German football after Niko Kovac, who only took charge in March, guided the team to safety, albeit via a relegation playoff 2-1 aggregate win over FC Nürnberg. 

Nevertheless, Die Adler will be plying their trade in the Bundesliga this term as they kick off their campaign at home to Schalke 04. With a little over a week until the fixture, WhoScored.com were granted the opportunity to speak exclusively with Eintracht Frankfurt’s creator-in-chief Marco Fabián. The 27-year-old moved to the German giants at the turn of the year and went on to make nine league starts for the club. 

Here, we learn about the key differences between the Bundesliga and Liga MX and his friendship with compatriot Javier Hernandez.  

Having moved from Mexico to Germany in the winter, how was the transition process for you following the switch? 

I am very happy to be here. The process was not easy, but I work hard every day to improve. 

Are there any major differences between the Bundesliga and Liga MX? Did you have to adjust your game in any way following your move to Eintracht Frankfurt? 

Yes there is a difference, but physically. In Mexico, football is slower and more technical, whereas here in Germany there is more demand, simply by being stronger physically and trying to develop the qualities that led me to the Bundesliga. 

How is it playing in the same league with your good friend and compatriot Javier Hernandez? Did the striker have a big say in convincing you to move to Germany? 

I am very happy to share the league with another Mexican and even better with one of my good friends. Obviously we are always aware of helping and supporting each other. 

After your crucial role in Eintracht Frankfurt’s relegation playoff win over FC Nürnberg, can the club use that success as a platform to build upon? 

It is a great motivation to start a new tournament in the best way and to give the best I can once the season starts. 

You’re renowned for your set-piece taking ability – would you say your accuracy from dead-ball situations is perhaps your greatest strength? 

I think I have many different qualities. One of them is my long-range shooting ability, but to still be a creative player and help the team in different ways. 

(Indeed, Fabián averaged a respectable 1.8 key passes per league game last season, the second highest return of all Eintracht Frankfurt players.) 

Conversely, are there any areas of your game you feel warrants work on to improve? 

In reality you train every day to improve but the defensive side of my game is an area of mine I am working hard on to develop. 

With more importance being placed on statistics in the modern game, have you played under any managers who have maximised the increased availability of stats? And do you often check your own stats to help develop? 

I think in football there is more technology and there are new ways to us all to help players improve, help to summarise and see my personal stats to see the areas where I can improve. 

Having played a part in Mexico’s London 2012 triumph, would you say that the victory over Brazil at Wembley is your finest individual moment in your professional football career? 

I have had several good moments in my career and I am now at a very mature stage in my career to continue reaching my goals. 

Who were your idols both on and off the pitch as you were growing up? 

Personally I never had an idol, but of course there are excellent players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi [to look up to]. 

Who is the toughest opponent you have faced in your career and why? 

I have faced many tough opponents. Real Madrid, Barcelona and ​​Brazil, of course are the best teams in the world. 

As the minutes tick down towards the Bundesliga’s return, WhoScored.com’s guide to the 2016/17 season is FREE to download now. Here, you will find an in-depth preview into the upcoming campaign, and a breakdown of all 18 teams, including ones to watch and a predicted finish. After a bright start to life in Germany, Fabián features as the Eintracht Frankfurt player worth keeping an eye on in upcoming Bundesliga season.

How big an impact can Marco Fabián have in the Bundesliga this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

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