Philipp Hofmann has not yet made an appearance as a goalscorer for VfL Bochum. But his other qualities are also essential for the bottom team.

His second goal of the season was the can opener for VfL Bochum’s first victory against Frankfurt (3:0). But apart from that, Philipp Hofmann once again stood out as a tireless worker who is strong in two fights and who gives his all for his team-mates – and is thus essential for Bochum’s attacking play.

At times, the 29-year-old engaged in duels with Frankfurt defender Obite Ndicka that were more reminiscent of wrestling than football. In the end, the winner was often Hofmann. With 20 duels won, the statistics after 90 minutes showed by far the most for the VfL attacker.

Target player in the build-up to the game

Frequently he positioned himself in the centre circle, took his opponent on his back and waited for his teammates to launch an attack. These then followed the popular pattern of “steep clap”, in order to play over several opponents from the transition play from his own half at best and escape the pressing. Hofmann functioned as a clap player, holding his ground in the centre to let the ball drip to a trailing six or eight.

His absence in the first half against Leipzig was also a reason for the disastrous 0:4 debacle. Hofmann’s commitment is also indispensable for the defence. After all, the attacker is also the first defender when the ball is running in the opponent’s lines. “It’s about winning the ball back in the next four, five seconds when the ball is lost,” Hofmann explained coach Thomas Letsch’s intensive approach after the game.

“We started high, that’s how we stressed the opponent and we also had a few ball recoveries.” Hofmann himself was still pumping neatly a few minutes after the final whistle. “We don’t have the best squad in the league in terms of play, that’s no secret, so we have to come through those virtues.”

The 29-year-old exemplifies these and that is what it will take in the landmark basement duel at VfB Stuttgart (Saturday, 15 October, 15:30). “We haven’t had an easy few weeks, so that can give the team a push and confidence now, that everyone also sees that we can hold our own in the league.” And it would certainly do the VfL good if Hofmann, in addition to his efforts, also made an appearance as a goalscorer again.