
Roll call top 10 Union Berlin best players
Berlin is not only an important cultural and historical center of Europe, but also has a significant football tradition. Although it does not have top teams like Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund, Berlin is still the place that produces and nurtures many excellent football talents. The list below is compiled by Kingsoccertips.com of the 10 Union Berlin best players, based on their professional contributions, personal achievements and lasting influence on the city’s clubs over many generations.
Top 10 Union Berlin best players
Below is a list of the top 10 best Union Berlin players, the stars who have contributed to the strength and special mark of the club in recent seasons.
10. Christopher Lenz
Christopher Lenz is a diligent, consistent, and effective left-back, especially important during Union Berlin’s first Bundesliga season (2019–20). He supports attacks with accurate runs and crosses from the left flank while maintaining defensive solidity. Lenz shows endurance and discipline every game, helping keep the team tactically balanced under coach Urs Fischer.

For bettors, Lenz’s inclusion predicts control over Union’s left side and impacts bets involving total goals, corners, or live wing-play situations. His form also contributes to clean sheet possibilities, crucial for under and match result bets.
9. Damir Kreilach
Damir Kreilach is a complete attacking midfielder and former captain of Union Berlin from 2013 to 2017. He stands out for scoring goals from midfield, excellent ball control, and sharp tactical awareness. Kreilach contributes both in attack and playmaking, helping maintain team balance. His professionalism and serious attitude laid a strong foundation during crucial years for the club.

In betting contexts, Kreilach is important for bets on assists and midfield goals. His ability to perform in big games makes him valuable for correct score, goal scorer, or Asian handicap bets. Considering his presence and form helps better predict match trends.
8. Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi is a standout Nigerian striker for Union Berlin, especially during the 2021–22 Bundesliga season when he scored 15 goals a club record for a single Bundesliga season. Awoniyi boasts speed, strength, and versatile finishing skills, including solo runs and technical control in the box. His sharp positioning and goal-scoring instinct make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

For betting, Awoniyi is a top choice in goal scorer markets, especially for first-half goals or multiple goals. His form also positively affects total goals and match result bets for Union Berlin. Keeping a close eye on Awoniyi’s starting status gives bettors a solid basis for confident wagers.
7. Rafal Gikiewicz
Polish goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz played a vital role during Union Berlin’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2018–19. Known for outstanding saves, quick reflexes, and excellent game reading, he helped the team earn precious points against stronger opponents. Gikiewicz also commands the defense and motivates teammates with his determined spirit, contributing to the team’s defensive stability.

In betting, a reliable goalkeeper like Gikiewicz is key to predicting scorelines, total goals, and handicap bets. Bettors should closely watch goalkeeper form, as an excellent keeper can reduce goals conceded, benefiting underdog and low-scoring bets. Gikiewicz is a perfect example in Union Berlin’s history.
6. Marvin Friedrich
Marvin Friedrich was Union Berlin’s key central defender from 2018 to 2022, regarded as the team’s most dependable defensive wall. His tall stature, strength, and aerial ability minimized the risk of conceding goals from set pieces. Friedrich also organizes the defensive line and commands teammates to maintain good positioning during defensive situations. His focused and uncompromising style made him a safe bet for Union’s defense.

For bettors, Friedrich is a critical player to watch when betting on low conceding rates, interceptions, and blocks. His solidity reduces the chance of multiple goals against Union, impacting total goals, handicap, and match result markets. He is also a potential threat for scoring from set pieces.
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5. Christopher Trimmel
Christopher Trimmel has been a model captain for Union Berlin since joining in 2014. As a reliable right-back, Trimmel excels defensively with strong marking, positional sense, and precise interceptions. He is also an expert at delivering accurate crosses into the box, providing valuable assists. His hardworking style, physical commitment, and leadership make him a dependable backbone for the team. His experience contributed significantly to Union Berlin’s stability in the Bundesliga.

For betting, Trimmel enhances Union’s strength on the right flank, supporting both defense and attack. Monitoring his presence and recent form helps predict bets involving crosses, assists, or defensive clearances. His involvement also reduces the risk of conceding goals from that side, influencing total goals markets.
4. Karim Benyamina
Karim Benyamina is the all-time top scorer for Union Berlin with 87 goals in 213 appearances, playing a vital role in the club’s rise from lower leagues like the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga. Known for his fiery playing style and physical resilience, Benyamina consistently capitalized on scoring chances, even under pressure. His strength and smart movement made him a constant threat to defenders. Additionally, his relentless fighting spirit made him a key figure in tight, high-stakes games.

In betting terms, Benyamina’s presence often increases Union’s scoring potential, especially in markets involving multiple goals by a player (hat-tricks, multi-goal bets). Bettors should consider factors like form and head-to-head records when betting on him, as he could make a difference in important matches, particularly against stronger opponents.
3. Torsten Mattuschka
Torsten Mattuschka was a true club icon and leader for Union Berlin between 2005 and 2014, appearing in over 250 matches. Famous for his powerful and accurate long-range shots, Mattuschka often pressured opposing goalkeepers with spectacular attempts from outside the box. He also served as an important link between midfield and attack with intelligent passing and positional awareness. As a captain on the pitch, he controlled the game tempo and inspired his teammates with leadership.

Torsten Mattuschka – Union Berlin’s leader and powerful long-range shooter
For bettors, Mattuschka is a player to watch in markets involving long-range goal attempts and assists. His versatile playing style and ability to produce unexpected moments make him a decisive factor in critical matches. Tracking his involvement can help identify opportunities in creative play or sudden goals.
2. Max Kruse
Though only with Union Berlin briefly from 2020 to 2022, Max Kruse left a strong mark with his versatile style and high creativity. Playing as an attacking midfielder or second striker, Kruse is known for his excellent technique, dribbling ability, and sharp passing vision. He can score from various positions and also plays a key role in unlocking tight defenses through assists. Additionally, his dangerous long-range shots often lead to decisive goals in important matches.

With extensive Bundesliga and European experience, Kruse was pivotal in helping Union Berlin qualify for the UEFA Conference League for the first time. In football betting, monitoring Kruse’s form and playing time is crucial, as he frequently influences key moments. Bettors might consider goal scorer bets, assists, or second-half performance wagers when Kruse is on the pitch.
1. Sebastian Polter
Sebastian Polter is one of the most outstanding forwards in Union Berlin’s history, playing a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2018–19 season. With exceptional physical strength and the ability to hold off defenders, Polter consistently creates space for himself and his teammates. He possesses a diverse and accurate finishing skill set, including headers and shots with both feet, making him a constant threat in front of goal. Notably, Polter is known for his relentless fighting spirit, often being the first to react to loose balls and second-chance opportunities, maximizing scoring chances for Union Berlin.

From a betting perspective, Polter is a key option when assessing Union’s goal-scoring potential in big matches. His playing style suits bets related to total goals, goal scorers, and set-piece situations. His consistency and fighting spirit make him a reliable pillar in the lineup, allowing bettors to confidently choose bets linked to Union Berlin’s attacking performance during his active periods.
Conclusion
Union Berlin is not only defined by their achievements on the pitch, but also by the indelible mark of the players who have dedicated themselves to the red shirt. Each name on this list of Union Berlin best players is an important chapter in an inspiring story of resilience, effort and never-ending belief. They have helped transform a humble club into a symbol of aspiration, taking Union Berlin from the days of fighting in the lower leagues to a respectable position in the Bundesliga and on the continental stage.
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