Wolfsburg, Germany - Grafite is even more efficient than Gerd Mueller as VfL Wolfsburg's Brazilian striker has become the toast of the Bundesliga. When the 29-year-old struck again on Saturday in a 3-0 victory at Arminia Bielefeld it was duly observed in the whole country that Grafite is scoring every 72 minutes for a season tally of 18 in 16 appearances.
Mueller, by contrast, took an average 77 minutes to score in the 1972 season en route to a record 40 goals for Bayern Munich.
Grafite may not be able to challenge that mark, but he has now caught up with injured Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic on 18 goals.
"I feel honoured," said Grafite after being compared to Mueller. "This is the best season in my career ... Maybe I can become top scorer."
Grafite would be the fourth Brazilian to top Bundesliga scoring, following Marcio Amoroso (Borussia Dortmund), Ailton (Werder Bremen) and Giovane Elber (Bayern Munich).
Grafite, whose full name is Edinaldo Batista Libanio, came to Wolfsburg in 2007 from French side Le Mans for a massive 8 million dollars (10.9 million dollars) by special request of coach Felix Magath.
Magath is famous and feared for his rigid Teutonic training regime, but Grafite was not deterred.
"I am a somewhat unique Brazilian who plays a little German," he readily admits.
Grafite doesn't dazzle with Brazilian flair and skill, he rather uses his body well and doesn't shy away from poking home goals. He is also more disciplined than other compatriots in the league.
"He is very disciplined and always gives it all he has," said Magath in praise of Grafite.
Grafite's accuracy has played a key role in Wolfsburg emerging as a serious Bundesliga title candidate even though Magath doesn't believe in this ultimate achievement.
Grafite, who also has six assists, and Edin Dzeko (13 goals, eight assists) currently form the most deadly attacking duo in the league, and together with midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic (six goals, 14 assists) the latest "magic triangle."
Wolfsburg have won their last seven games to trail leaders Hertha Berlin by just one point in joint second second place with Munich who are their next opponents on April 4.
The match date denies Grafite a decent 30th-birthday party on April 2, but he ready for this sacrifice if the outcome of the top match is right.
"I hope (to celebrate) on Saturday evening after the game. I don't party two days before a match, not even if it's my birthday. But victory would be a great compensation. And a great gift as well," said Grafite.
