Written off, out of contract, now shining in the Bundesliga | OneFootball

"It wasn't so easy to get into the Bundesliga. My agent was in contact with some clubs, but most of them thought I was too old," explained Hoffenheim’s summer signing Vladimir Coufal a few weeks ago in 'kicker'. Given his performances in the TSG jersey, those very clubs are likely regretting their superficial assessment now. 

After being released by West Ham United after five years and being clubless for a time, the Czech international was facing the realistic scenario of possibly having to end his career at just 33 years old six months ago.

However, due to the serious injury to Valentin Gendrey, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim was forced to find a quick replacement and decided on Coufal. In hindsight, the emergency transfer has turned out to be a real stroke of luck, as can already be seen after half a year. 

The physically demanding role of full-back, combined with his advanced footballing age, was something many clubs apparently no longer trusted him with. Ironically, that is exactly the Czech’s greatest strength. And he’s not just a follower in the Bundesliga, but a pacemaker.

According to league statistics, Coufal has covered the most distance this season (237.2 km). He is also the sprint king (446) and, up to and including the last matchday, has completed the most intensive runs in the league. 

Did his time in the physically demanding Premier League benefit him in this regard? This assumption is countered by the veteran’s recent statements in 'kicker': "I am in the best shape I have ever been in, and fitter than ever before. Our coach is very demanding and challenging. He places a lot of emphasis on the basic physical requirements. It is definitely more strenuous than in England. I have never trained so intensively."

While this insight is certainly meant primarily as an appreciation of the work of Christian Ilzer and his coaching staff, it could also have something to do with his involuntary departure from the Hammers. 

"That was very sad for me and my family and very hard to accept, because I still felt I could give something to the club and the league. They made their decision," Coufal commented on his exit from West Ham. 

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His outstanding performance in Hoffenheim can, in a way, be seen as a signal to his former club, but also to all the other clubs who thought he was too old. But Coufal doesn’t just cover a lot of ground, he also has a major influence on TSG’s game in other ways. He is repaying the trust placed in him many times over.

"Vlad is doing an excellent job, the way he solves difficult situations, how he controls difficult balls and makes the right decisions," Ilzer raved about his new signing back in October: "Defending on the last line and attacking on the first line is tactically and physically not an easy position, but he does it flawlessly. He is an incredible asset for our game in both directions."

Ilzer’s coaching colleague Frank Schmidt from 1. FC Heidenheim was also deeply impressed after his team was clearly outplayed by the Kraichgau side in the first half of the season: "When I see this right-back, he’s already 33, but the energy he brought to the pitch, how he defended forward and fought duels, we’ll be looking at how we can take inspiration from that," Schmidt praised Vladimir Coufal at the subsequent press conference.

The fact that Hoffenheim currently boasts one of the best defensive lines in the Bundesliga (23 goals conceded) after years of major defensive problems is certainly due in no small part to Coufal’s experience. 

The Czech international is also delivering impressive numbers offensively. Only David Raum and Alejandro Grimaldo have more scorer points among defenders than his six (five assists, one goal).

The fact that Coufal’s qualities were so overlooked and that he was clubless for a time last summer is surprising and is likely to annoy more than a few scouts. Hoffenheim may have been forced into their good fortune, but now they will surely do everything they can to extend the Czech’s contract, which expires this summer.

If the club manages to qualify for the Champions League this year, Coufal’s experience and skills could be a huge factor for TSG. Champions League instead of retirement – he surely wouldn’t have expected that either. 

For the big goal of reaching the Champions League, Coufal will once again run his socks off in today’s top match against FC Bayern and invite Luis Diaz and Co. to dance.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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