Bayern delivered a ‘masterstroke’ in 2018 by signing Leo Goretzka from Schalke for free. A move that he can repeat now, precisely thinking of succeeding Goretzka, incorporating, also at zero cost, Tom Bischof (Aschaffenburg, 6-28-2005).
Tom Bischof.Driblab Performance Chart
Best German footballer under 19 years old
The Hoffenheim midfielder, an under-20 international with Germany, is not as proven as Goretzka was… but he has just received the gold Fritz Walter medal, which distinguishes him as the ‘Best German Player’ under 19 years of age. An award that was previously received by Moukoko, Wirtz, Adeyemi and Kai Havertz, among others.
“He is one of the greatest talents we have,” warned Sebastian Hoeness in 2022. The now Stuttgart coach made him the youngest player in Hoffenheim history (16 years and 263 days) to debut in the Bundesliga.
He is one of the greatest talents we have
Sebastian Hoeness
From midfielder… to midfielder
It has rained quite a bit since then. Bischof, who made his debut in the elite as a midfielder, has moved his position back to the ‘engine room’, even playing as a pivot, as happened with Kroos in his early days at Bayern.
In fact, although he is left-footed, he is more similar in terms of football, especially in certain gestures when running, directing and protecting the ball, to Kroos than to Goretzka. “I was a Messi fan and always played with the ’10’. It was more suitable for the position in which I played then,” admits Bischof, who has ended up wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘7’.
The truth is that the ‘metamorphosis’ has been wonderful for him. Hoffenheim’s ‘brain’ not only stands out by associating and protecting the ball. He is, despite his 175 centimeters, the Bundesliga player who makes the most tackles (tackles at ground level) (49) and successfully completes (26) and the sixth who blocks the most shots and the tenth who takes the most corners (32).
Bischof’s successful tackles and interceptions compared to other major league midfielders. Dribble.
He also shines, logically, with the ball. Of the 470 passes he has made, 115 have successfully landed in the final third of the field. He has also completed 23 of the 36 long deliveries he has attempted.
Bischof’s completed dribbles and long passes compared to other major league midfielders. Driblab.
“We decided together that it is the best position for me at the moment. I come into contact with the ball a lot and it is something I enjoy. Obviously, I have to sacrifice more in defense. I have to be more aware of the marks and I have also worked to increase my toughness and aggressiveness in duels,” he says.
I have worked to increase my toughness and aggressiveness in duels
Tom Bischoff
No goals in 46 games, now two in three
His first goal as a professional eluded him in 46 games! He marked it by playing further behind, just three weeks ago. It was, from a free kick, in the victory against RB Leipzig (4-3), surprising Gulácsi with a shot to his post that hit the post before going in.
It seems that, finally, the ‘ketchup bottle’ has been uncovered. Last day, against Freiburg (1-1), he got wet again. He ‘hunted’ a ball in front of him and surprised Atubolu with a sharp shot to the short post. This season he has a total of two goals and two assists.
It sounds (very) strong for Bayern
Bischof’s contract with Hoffenheim ends in June and has not yet renewed. He has been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart – he would be reunited with Sebastian Hoeness – but in Germany, more and less people assume that he will end up at Bayern.
“The conversations were positive, they were mainly about perspectives, not concrete figures yet,” reports Florian Plettenberg of ‘Sky’, a great expert on the Bavarian market. Plettenberg, however, does not rule out that Bayern could sign him and leave him on loan for another year at Hoffenheim or another team, as they did, for example, with Gnabry, so as not to slow down his progression.
Bischof’s chances created and expected assists compared to other major league midfielders.Driblab
Bischof, for his part, ignores the rumors: “Right now I’m concentrating on football. I ignore it completely, and that can also be seen on the field.” A ‘Bundesjoya’ is on the loose and his contract ends in June. Take note…
