#4 Benjamin Hubner, Hoffenheim
RB Leipzig have definitely turned eyeballs with their steep rise from the lower echelons of Germany to finish 2nd this season. However, another team in Germany has done a similar job albeit in a low-key way.
Hoffenheim, with 29-year old Julian Nagelsmann at the helm, have finished 4th in the Bundesliga and are now in contention to play in Europe’s top competition next season.
This stunning march to top four was built on a robust defence and praiseworthy tactics from the manager. Die Kraichgauer suffered only 4 defeats and conceded 37 goals, which is bettered only by Bayern Munich.
Thus, it is natural that Hoffenheim’s defensive lynchpins, Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Sule are set to join the German champions in the summer.
Also Read: 5 present-day underrated German footballers
However, another player has truly improved his stock this season and he is centre-back Benjamin Hubner. He joined from Ingolstadt last summer and after a bedding-in period, he has become a vital player in the side.
Tall, tough in tackling and a good passer of the ball, the German has been quietly spectacular for the club. He has won 2.6 headers per game, which is higher than Bayern-bound Sule and is a threat in the opposition box as well.
At 27 years of age, a big move might not be in store for him. Nevertheless, his performances are sure to get noticed and he made it to the Whoscored.com Team of the Season ahead of his defensive team-mates. Another consistent season for Hubner will do a world of good for his footballing future.
