Styopa Mkrtchyan makes his debut in the 2. Bundesliga for Nürnberg

Armenia national team defender Styopa Mkrtchyan played his first match in the 2. Bundesliga for Nürnberg. The 22-year-old footballer started in the matchday 21 fixture against one of the league leaders, Paderborn.

Mkrtchyan, who joined the German club from Croatian side Osijek, took a place in central defense instead of the suspended Fabio Gruber and partnered with Luka Lochoshvili. Notably, the Armenian defender played in an unfamiliar role as a right-sided center-back, while he usually operates on the left, especially considering he is left-footed.

Mkrtchyan’s debut match proved to be mixed. In the 26th minute, he committed a foul inside his own penalty area, which resulted in a penalty awarded against Nürnberg. Overall, the team lost 1–2 and played with ten men from the 52nd minute. However, in the second half Mkrtchyan looked more confident and reliable.

Styopa Mkrtchyan’s match statistics:
Minutes played: 90+
Shots: 1
Accurate passes: 30 (97%)
Fouls won: 1
Ball losses: 3
Interceptions: 2
Clearances: 6
Ball recoveries: 2
Duels won: 1 of 4
Aerial duels: 4 of 6
Fouls committed: 1
Penalty conceded: 1
SofaScore rating: 5.8

After 21 rounds, Nürnberg sit 9th in the 2. Bundesliga standings. The team’s next match will take place on February 13 against Karlsruher.

Tomorrow, Grant-Leon Ranos will play his first match in the 2. Bundesliga for Eintracht Braunschweig.