Vedad Ibisevic has been garnering most of the headlines for scoring 17 goals in 15 games in helping 1899 Hoffenheim perch themselves atop the German Bundesliga in their first season in the league. But his striking partner Demba Ba has been just as important to the promoted club's early success.
One of Many Siblings In Paris Suburbs
Ba was born on May 25, 1985 in the Paris suburb Sevres - as part of a big family of Senegalese immigrants. He grew up with three sisters and five brothers and started kicking the soccer ball at 7 years of age.
Skills Learned at Montrouge
Ba learned his superb skills playing between 12 and 16 years for French side Montrouge - known for its youth development. "Technically and tactically the schooling there is perfect, though the players lose their individualism with aspects like creativity and instincts not being important," Ba told the German sports magazine Kicker in October 2008.
Short Move to England Starts Quick Rise
At 18, he moved to England for five months with Watford. After his return, he landed in 2005 at French fourth division side Rouen where he scored 22 goals in 26 matches. He then moved onto Belgian first division club Excelsior Mouscron, hitting eight goals in 10 matches. In 2007, German second division club 1899 Hoffenheim paid 2.75 million euros for Ba, who scored 12 goals in helping Hoffenheim earn promotion to the German Bundesliga.
Combining With Ibisevic and Obasi to Form Deadly Attack
In the 2008-09 season, Ba has helped Hoffenheim take the German soccer landscape by storm. Combining Ba with Ibisevic and Chinedu Obasi, Hoffenheim have scored a league-best 40 goals in 15 games to lead the Bundesliga with 34 points. Ba has contributed seven goals and 4 assists in those 15 games.
Endless Praise For Ba
The 23-year-old has drawn loads of praise. "Demba is the clamp which holds everything together because he is a team player," Hoffenheim manager Jan Schindelmeister told the website bundesligamannschaften.de on October 14. Coach Ralf Rangnick added to the same site: "You can have a lot of fun with Demba. It's almost impossible not to like him. He is really a great guy.
Great Size and Body Type
The 1.90 metre, 84 kilo heavy Ba encompases everything needed for a soccer player - ease and force, bulk and quickness, physique and elegance; crowbar and creativity - almost a mix between a gazelle and a cabinet. "Demba is a rangy guy but has loads of power as well," said Rangnick.
Playing With A Handicap
Ba's success is all the more unusual considering he is actually playing with a handicap. Ba missed nearly a full season after breaking his fibula in 2006 while with Excelsior. Still today, Ba does exercises to stabilise his muscles and compensate for imbalance.
Interest From Europe's Top Clubs
Nonetheless, just like the other Hoffenheim attackers, Ba is also being heavily courted by some of Europe's top clubs. Scouts from English giants Chelsea and Manchester United have already watched Ba a number of times.
Beginning of Career With Sengal
The French-born Ba also has a Senegal passport and has played five international matches for his parents' homeland, having scored one goal.
