“It wasn’t really easy to get into the Bundesliga. My agent was involved with some golf equipment, however most of them thought I used to be too previous,” defined Hoffenheim’s summer time signing Vladimir Coufal a couple of weeks in the past in ‘kicker’. Given his performances within the TSG jersey, these very golf equipment are doubtless regretting their superficial evaluation now.
After being launched by West Ham United after 5 years and being clubless for a time, the Czech worldwide was going through the sensible situation of presumably having to finish his profession at simply 33 years previous six months in the past.
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Nonetheless, because of the severe harm to Valentin Gendrey, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim was pressured to discover a fast alternative and selected Coufal. In hindsight, the emergency switch has turned out to be an actual stroke of luck, as can already be seen after half a yr.
The bodily demanding position of full-back, mixed along with his superior footballing age, was one thing many golf equipment apparently not trusted him with. Sarcastically, that’s precisely the Czech’s best energy. And he’s not only a follower within the Bundesliga, however a pacemaker.
In line with league statistics, Coufal has coated probably the most distance this season (237.2 km). He’s additionally the dash king (446) and, as much as and together with the final matchday, has accomplished probably the most intensive runs within the league.
Did his time within the bodily demanding Premier League profit him on this regard? This assumption is countered by the veteran’s current statements in ‘kicker’: “I’m in the most effective form I’ve ever been in, and fitter than ever earlier than. Our coach may be very demanding and difficult. He locations lots of emphasis on the fundamental bodily necessities. It’s undoubtedly extra strenuous than in England. I’ve by no means educated so intensively.”
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Whereas this perception is definitely meant primarily as an appreciation of the work of Christian Ilzer and his teaching employees, it might even have one thing to do along with his involuntary departure from the Hammers.
“That was very unhappy for me and my household and really onerous to simply accept, as a result of I nonetheless felt I might give one thing to the membership and the league. They made their choice,” Coufal commented on his exit from West Ham.
📸 Julian Finney – 2024 Getty Photographs
His excellent efficiency in Hoffenheim can, in a means, be seen as a sign to his former membership, but additionally to all the opposite golf equipment who thought he was too previous. However Coufal doesn’t simply cowl lots of floor, he additionally has a significant affect on TSG’s sport in different methods. He’s repaying the belief positioned in him many occasions over.
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“Vlad is doing a wonderful job, the way in which he solves troublesome conditions, how he controls troublesome balls and makes the correct choices,” Ilzer raved about his new signing again in October: “Defending on the final line and attacking on the primary line is tactically and bodily not a simple place, however he does it flawlessly. He’s an unbelievable asset for our sport in each instructions.”
Ilzer’s teaching colleague Frank Schmidt from 1. FC Heidenheim was additionally deeply impressed after his workforce was clearly outplayed by the Kraichgau aspect within the first half of the season: “After I see this right-back, he’s already 33, however the power he delivered to the pitch, how he defended ahead and fought duels, we’ll be taking a look at how we are able to take inspiration from that,” Schmidt praised Vladimir Coufal on the subsequent press convention.
The truth that Hoffenheim presently boasts the most effective defensive traces within the Bundesliga (23 objectives conceded) after years of main defensive issues is definitely due in no small half to Coufal’s expertise.
The Czech worldwide can be delivering spectacular numbers offensively. Solely David Raum and Alejandro Grimaldo have extra scorer factors amongst defenders than his six (5 assists, one objective).
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The truth that Coufal’s qualities have been so ignored and that he was clubless for a time final summer time is stunning and is prone to annoy quite a lot of scouts. Hoffenheim could have been pressured into their luck, however now they’ll certainly do every thing they’ll to increase the Czech’s contract, which expires this summer time.
If the membership manages to qualify for the Champions League this yr, Coufal’s expertise and abilities could possibly be an enormous issue for TSG. Champions League as an alternative of retirement – he certainly wouldn’t have anticipated that both.
For the large objective of reaching the Champions League, Coufal will as soon as once more run his socks off in right now’s prime match towards FC Bayern and invite Luis Diaz and Co. to bop.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.