TSG laud Bischof's development: "More words of praise can make it expensive." | OneFootball

Photo: Daniel Kopatsch, Getty Images

Germany U20 international Tom Bischof capped a splendid week in which he won the Fritz Walter Medal as Germany's best U19 international with a splendid assist in Hoffenheim's league win over Bochum on Saturday afternoon. The 19-year-old's performance in general saw him earn team-of-the-week honors in many Bundesliga sporting publications.

The Aschaffenburg-native - despite his age - is no stranger to the German top flight, having already racked up 30 Bundesliga appearances over the past four seasons. Bischof made his league debut in the spring of 2022 under then TSG trainer Sebastian Hoeneß. Since then, he's logged minutes under the coaching regimes of André Breitenreiter and Pellegrino Matarazzo.

Despite some talk of a loan this summer, the Kraichgauer opted to retain his services for the current season in the top division. The move has now paid dividends, with Bischof making Matarazzo's starting XI in the last four Bundesliga and both Europa League fixtures. The TSG's American trainer believes the top talent is now coming into his own.

“He is currently utilizing his strengths at the six position," Matarazzo noted after Saturday's victory, "There, he has a bit more time to make decisions.” He's strong in narrow spaces and duels. He has great tackle time and unpredictable mobility. He also wins the ball back a lot there.”

Sinsheimer striker Andrej Kramaric concurred with Matarazzo when it came to Bischof's new positional assignment. Kramaric - celebrated as a man with an uncanny feel for spaces the last time Hoffenheim defeated Bochum at home - was pleased to pass on the honor to his young teammate this time around.

“The lad has a lot of potential and has, in my opinion, finally found his position a bit deeper,” Kramaric remarked after the match, “he is considered the best talent in Germany as a number ten, but I think the six is currently his position. He can motor forward and is good with the ball."

Newly installed TSG sporting director Andreas Schicker confirmed that one of his top priorities in his new post would be to sign the youngster to a contract extension. The €3.5 million-valued midfielder is sure to attract attention from plenty of other German clubs. Sitting on an expiring deal, Bischof will be free to negotiate with other parties in January.

"I'm already in contact with his agent and a meeting will take place soon," Schicker said on Saturday, "He played very well and one can see what a great left foot he has. I should stop with the words of praise there or things will get expensive."