Estonia midfielder Patrik Kristal is expected to start the new campaign with Köln’s reserve side despite impressing during the club’s pre-season programme, according to reports in Germany.
With the start of the domestic cup season two weeks away, Köln’s senior squad still has several places to be decided, which has opened the door for six academy players to train with the first team. Kristal has been among that group, joining senior sessions in recent weeks and featuring in warm-up matches.
German outlet Express reported that the 18-year-old has made a significant step forward over the summer, but that Köln’s current plan is for him to play regularly for the reserves, where he has spent most of his time since arriving in Germany as a 16-year-old.
The same report added that Kristal’s continued involvement with the first-team set-up underlines the club’s high regard for him, even if his immediate match minutes are likely to come elsewhere.
Köln head coach René Wagner praised the attitude of the club’s young players after a 2-1 pre-season win over Real Sociedad, saying several had earned their chances through hard work. Kristal was cited as one of those who has shown notable progress in recent months.
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Source: https://soccernet.ee/artikkel/saksamaa-meedia-kristal-jatkab-esialgu-duubelmeeskonnas
