Adeyemi Can Become ‘Truly’ Great Footballer – Kovac

Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac has issued a bold challenge to striker i, insisting that the young German has everything it takes to reach true world-class status – but only if he commits to refining the smallest details of his game.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Kovac dismissed previous speculation of tension between himself and the 24-year-old forward, instead showering Adeyemi with praise while delivering a clear message about what it will take to fulfill his immense promise.

The Croatian tactician pointed to Adeyemi’s recent impact in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League as proof of his game-changing ability, but warned that raw talent must now be paired with relentless precision and discipline.

“I firmly assume that he can become a truly great footballer if he adjusts certain things,” Kovac told reporters. “But for that, he has to believe me a little more.”

The 53-year-old coach stressed that natural gifts alone won’t carry Adeyemi to the elite level. Instead, he called for a shift in mindset – from flashy moments to consistent, meticulous effort, even when no one is watching.

“He has to work on his accuracy, his meticulousness,” Kovac explained.

“He has been given huge talent, now it’s about work, changing details and nuances that will move him forward. To do that, he has to use every minute of training.”

Kovac’s remarks come amid a season where Adeyemi has shown electrifying flashes of brilliance – searing pace, clinical finishing, and the kind of fearless dribbling that terrifies defenders.

Yet inconsistency has often kept him from becoming the undisputed star many predicted. With Dortmund pushing for silverware on multiple fronts, the coach’s public vote of confidence doubles as a firm ultimatum: the potential is undeniable, but greatness is earned in the unglamorous hours of practice.

For Adeyemi, the path forward is now unmistakably clear. The talent is a gift; the legacy will be a choice.