Respected German pundit and former Arminia Hannover defender Hartwig Hasselbruch has heaped praise on Union Berlin's Taiwo Awoniyi, labeling the ex-Liverpool striker as one of the best players in the Bundesliga.

Hasselbruch pointed out that several African players often find it difficult to adapt to the Bundesliga because of the language barrier as they either speak French or English.

Many doubted Awoniyi can be a success in the German top-flight after indifferent loan spells at FSV Frankfurt, Mainz 05 and Union Berlin during his time at Liverpool, but he is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this season's Bundesliga following his permanent move to the capital club.

After fifteen rounds in the Bundesliga, only Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski (16), Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick (12) and Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland (11) have scored more goals than Awoniyi (9).

In all competitions this season, Awoniyi has fourteen goals in 24 games, along with two assists.

Speaking to Elegbete TV Sports, Hasselbruch said : "We have good African players in Germany, like for example in this moment the Nigerian Awoniyi.

"He's a very good player, he's a very good striker and he's good for Union Berlin because he is very fast, very strong and he's very successful.

"At this moment one of the best strikers we have in Bundesliga."

Awoniyi played the last 27 minutes of Union Berlin's 1-0 loss to Greuther Furth on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel