Danilho Doekhi was ‘flattered’ to learn that Rangers were taking an interest in taking him to Ibrox with his contract at Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem expiring at the end of the 2021/22 season. But not flattered enough, it seems, to turn down a move to a side who, against all odds, are threatening to reach heights no one dared to believe were possible.
“Of course, I get the rumours (linking me) Rangers,” Doekhi said earlier in the year. “I am flattered. Scotland is passion. “(Rangers) follow me. But there are several clubs (who are interested).”
One of those ‘seveal clubs’ proved to be Union Berlin. A team who, perhaps more than any other right now, are proof of just what can be achieved with clever squad building, inspired recruitment and a teaspoon of team spirit.
In 2020/21, Union Berlin qualified for Europe for the very first time, finishing seventh. The year after, they came fifth. But, instead of slamming their heads into the glass ceiling, Union are smashing right through it. A feat that looks all-the more impressive when you consider they’d never even graced the Bundesliga stage until 2019.
Danilho Doekhi top of the Bundesliga with Union Berlin
That 2-0 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt a fortnight ago was supposedly a reality check. Back down to earth with a bump. But responding with successive victories over Stuttgart and then (even more impressively) over Borussia Dortmund has fans and neutrals alike dreaming, once again, of a story that would make Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League triumph feel small-fry by comparison.
Danilho was offered a three-year deal at Rangers. He chose Union’s antiquated but atmospheric Stadion An der Alten Forsterei instead (De Gelderlander). He must be glad he did. Whatever happens, regardless of whether plucky, punchy Union can keep the piranhas of Bayern Munich at bay, Doekhi is seeing a footballing fairytale play out in front of his eyes.
With seven wins and just one defeat in 10 games, Urs Fischer’s side are four points clear of Bayern, sixth ahead of Frankfurt in fifth and 15 ahead of their storied and far-wealthier local rivals Hertha. Doekhi has been in-and-out of the team. But he still started in the 1-1 draw with Bayern and grabbed an assist in a thumping 6-1 victory over Schalke.
“I am obviously happy when looking at the standings,” says Fischer, channelling his inner-Claudio Ranieri. “But this is just a momentary snapshot.”
“Only Union will be German champions!” That was the chant which echoed around their 22,000 capacity arena following that victory over Dortmund.
A claim made with tongues pressed firmly inside of cheeks maybe. More confident, commanding wins like Sunday’s, however, and it will be less of a lighthearted jest, more a war cry.
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