Mainz 05 coach Achim Beierlorzer has explained that Liverpool-owned striker Taiwo Awoniyi was handed game time in last weekend's Bundesliga clash against Cologne because he was impressive in training ahead of their trip to the RheinEnergieStadion.

Before the league was halted in March, the former Nigeria international had logged only 146 minutes with his last appearance coming against Augsburg on December 7.

"In the internal test, he showed a sensational performance. He has continued to work now," Beierlorzer told Kicker.

He added that Awoniyi was close to grabbing his second goal of the game vs Cologne but was unfortunate to miss.

"It would have landed exactly on his head. He could have been rewarded even more."

Things have not always been rosy between master and pupil as Awoniyi fell short of expectations during Mainz's winter training camp in Rheinhessen.

"If we take responsibility for our players, we also have to say: 'You have to go to a club where you play'," Beierlorzer concluded.

Awoniyi and Mainz welcome Ademola Lookman's RB Leipzig to the OPEL Arena in their next game in the Bundesliga on Sunday, May 24.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : mainz05.de