Max Kruse and Fin Bartels have known each other for seven years. In 2010, they played together at St. Pauli, before following different paths, only to be reunited again last summer at Werder Bremen. For several weeks now, the striking duo have looked unstoppable together and their goals have played a major role in Bremen’s comeback this season. “They are playing really well together,” acknowledged teammate Robert Bauer after Saturday’s victory over Hertha BSC.
April has been a good month for Kruse and Bartels. The former has scored an impressive eight goals in his last six Bundesliga games, while also providing five assists. Meanwhile, the latter has managed three goals and five assists. “They know each other well and are seemingly scoring at will,” summed up Bauer. “Fin and Max have a good understanding of the game. They worked hard again for the team yesterday and covered a lot of ground,” added sporting director Frank Baumann.
Against Hertha, Bartels opened the scoring after just nine minutes, with Kruse providing the assist. Six minutes later, Bartels returned the favour, as Kruse struck to make it 2-0. “It worked out well again today,” said Kruse with a grin, while Bartels lauded his strike partner: “his pass for the opener was really well executed. Max simply has great vision and you always have to expect that he will play a superb pass like that.”
While Kruse has been receiving a lot of attention since his four goals against Ingolstadt, Robert Bauer pointed towards the 30-year-old Bartels, who completes this dangerous duo: “I’m really happy for Fin, who is always somewhat overshadowed. Since he’s joined Werder, he’s always delivered good performances and always scored goals and provided assists. I think he doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves.”
