Nadiem Amiri, Mainz’s main man with Dortmund in his sights
Mainz continued their resurgence under Urs Fischer with a 2-0 victory over Augsburg on Matchday 21. As has so often been the case this campaign, Nadiem Amiri was the star of the 05ers’ show, underlining his importance once more…
Fischer’s impact since arriving at the MEWA Arena to replace Bo Henriksen has been monumental, with the triumph over Augsburg meaning Mainz have now lost just one of the eight games he has taken charge of – for context, they had been defeated in nine of the previous 13.
On this occasion, a pair of penalties saw the team over the line, with Amiri as cool as ever from the spot. His sixth and seventh spot-kicks of the Bundesliga term, and eighth and ninth in all competitions, were both dispatched with aplomb to move Fischer’s men up to 14th in the table – their highest position since Matchday 6.
Following his latest efforts from 12 yards – which constituted the first brace of his Bundesliga career - only Kylian Mbappé has scored more penalties in Europe’s top-five leagues per UEFA coefficient during 2025/26. While there may be few further similarities between the midfielder and the Real Madrid forward, Amiri is just as integral to his side’s fortunes.
Watch: Highlights of Mainz’s Amiri-inspired win over Augsburg
Since joining from eventual champions Bayer Leverkusen midway through the 2023/24 campaign, the 29-year-old has been a stand-out performer. He made 15 Bundesliga appearances during the Rückrunde, helping Mainz escape relegation in the final weeks of that season, before scoring seven goals and providing five assists as they unexpectedly qualified for the UEFA Conference League last term.
The start of this season was difficult, but even as the team struggled on the pitch, Amiri remained a shining light. Now, under Fischer, the nine-time Germany international has continued to shine, scoring in each of the last five games (six strikes in total).
In numerous creative metrics – and not just goals scored – Amiri leads the way for Mainz this season. No other teammate has managed more assists (two), more shots (39) or more chances created (38), while he ranks in the top four for distance covered (180.8km).
Having previously played in a deeper midfield role, Amiri has been played further forward as a number 10 under Fischer. That started in his very first appearance under the Swiss against Samsunspor in the Conference League, after which Fischer explained, “He [Amiri] brings that creative spark. He's a player who can deliver the final pass and he's a goal threat. I think he enjoyed himself [further forward] today, and it's a possibility for the future.”
Watch: The Best of Nadiem Amiri
That final sentiment was echoed by sporting director Niko Bungert, who, after Amiri’s match-winning display against Augsburg, said, "You don't need to give Nadiem a magic potion, just the feeling of being comfortable, of being in the right place. It's fun to watch him when he's in this form.”
It is not just how Mainz perform with Amiri, but also without him, that illustrates his impact. Of the eight games they have played without the former Hoffenheim man since his January 2024 arrival, they have won just one, drawing two and losing the other five. This season, they lost 4-0 and 2-1 to Freiburg and Cologne, respectively – the only defeats of Fischer’s reign so far – and drew 2-2, admittedly against Bayern Munich, without Amiri available.
Next up is Borussia Dortmund, who are unbeaten in 14 Bundesliga matches and are Bayern’s closest challengers for the Meisterschale. Interestingly, Amiri has created more chances than any BVB man, while only Serhou Guirassy has fired off more attempts.
Mainz’s star man is therefore sure to be key this weekend, and if he is in the mood, he could be the difference-maker.
Related news
Amiri penalty double helps Mainz escape relegation places
Nadiem Amiri converted two penalties as Mainz secured a third straight win.
Amiri inspires Mainz to crucial home win against Wolfsburg
Mainz climbed off the bottom of the table with an impressive 3-1 comeback win against Wolfsburg.
Amiri the difference as Mainz hold off Heidenheim
Nadiem Amiri helped Mainz secure their first win under Urs Fischer, lifting them off the bottom of the table at Heidenheim's expense in a tense relegation scrap.