When the coach of the U23 team asked Martin Kobylanski before the season about his goals, the then 19-year-old said: "Remain a starter in the U23s, score seven goals, complete one training with the professionals and sign a professional contract." He wasn't able to just fulfil these expectations, he topped them! "But that's not enough for me," promised the youngster.

On the sixth match day during Werder's 2-0 victory in Hamburg, the name "Martin Kobylanski" rang in a Bundesliga stadium for the first time. When he is asked about this adrenaline kick, the striker offers up a wide smile. "I didn't expect that at all. Actually before the match I wanted to take a nap and calm myself down. But I was much too excited," said ‘Koby'.

Since that day, nothing has changed for him sportswise. While he is only earning brief appearances in the Bundesliga, Kobylanski is gaining the necessary playing experience with the U23s. "Of course it's something different to play in front of 40,000 people. But I know that the minutes in the U23s help me. That's why I'm happy to be there," he said. And the hierarchy with the professionals is there to help him stay grounded. "Since I am the youngest player, I always carry the balls after training," said Kobylanski with a laugh, referring to his "sack of balls".

Even though his Bundesliga debut wasn't that long ago, the name Kobylanski has been known for some time by Bundesliga insiders. Father Andrzej showed his son the way, playing for among others Energie Cottbus in the top flight. With more appearances in the Bundesliga, the youngster would like to become a choice for the national team. And his first goal in Germany's top flight would be a strong argument.