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SportsFortuna Düsseldorf signs Mainz goalkeeper Lasse Rieß to replace Kastenmeier
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Fortuna Düsseldorf has secured Lasse Rieß (25) as the successor to departing goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier. Rieß, on loan from Mainz without a purchase option but with a verbal agreement for extension if promotion succeeds, has impressed from day one with his ball-playing ability, command of high balls, and shot-stopping. In the arena premiere against Borussia Dortmund (2-1 win), Rieß was partly at fault for the goal but otherwise was a key factor in the victory. Coach Alexander Ende specifically sought a goalkeeper with Rieß's profile: good with both feet, strong on crosses, and willing to play as a sweeper behind the defensive line. Ende stated he hates goalkeepers who stay on the line and praised Rieß's courage. The only blemish so far was the Dortmund goal, where defender Elias Egouli failed to block the opponent, leaving Rieß exposed. Overall, Rieß is described as a 'true Fortuna giant' and a top replacement for Kastenmeier.
Source report
Even before Florian Kastenmeier (29) definitively turned down Fortuna's offer, there had been those who wished for this change. Those voices now appear to have been proven right.
While the former number one remains without a new club, Fortuna Düsseldorf has found a new starting goalkeeper in Lasse Rieß (25), who does not seem like a downgrade at all. From day one, the Mainz loanee impressed with the ball at his feet, on high balls, and on the line. Against BVB (2-1), Rieß was partly to blame for the goal—admitting, "I have to say, I was standing badly there"—but otherwise he was one of the main reasons his team secured their arena premiere victory.
Rieß Plays Like a Sweeper
Rieß explained his role: "I'm supposed to keep lurking behind the defensive line and be active. That's also good for the defense when they know there's someone back there who doesn't stick to the line. Then they know they just need to step in if someone misjudges. The goal against Dortmund is the best example of how it should go better."
The goal occurred because Elias Egouli (23) had failed to block the opponent after a long ball, making Rieß look bad as well.
So far, that has been the only blemish; otherwise, Kastenmeier's successor makes a top impression. Alexander Ende (46) desperately wanted a goalkeeper of his type, and Samir Arabi (47) sealed the loan deal without a purchase option—but with a verbal agreement that Mainz could also let him go longer if promotion from the 3. Liga succeeds.
Ende on signing Rieß: "The skills he has are exactly what we were looking for. He's good with both feet, has a long kick, and makes big saves on the line. And he comes out for crosses—that courage impressed me the most. I hate goalkeepers who stay on the line. And then as a coach, you sometimes have to protectively cover for them when something goes wrong."
Like now against Dortmund—otherwise, Ende's new number one seems to be a true Fortuna giant.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Lasse Rieß Becomes Fortuna Düsseldorf's New Starting Goalkeeper