Yep. I really can't think of any place I'd rather have a 21 year old CB continue to develop than a mid-table Bundesliga club. Great competition, great coaching, and a little more out of the spotlight.
Who knows? Hoff played in Europe two seasons ago. They have some talent.... perhaps adding Richards will help them creep towards Europa League.?.?
“Captain America, what‘s up!“ 💙#TSG | @eastmamba pic.twitter.com/TwyY9GZE4q— TSG Hoffenheim EN (@tsghoffenheimEN) August 31, 2021 Is there a USMNT player playing in Europe who hasn’t been referred to as Captain America at some point in their career? Definitely seems like he’s well liked by his teammates at Hoffenheim though, and in general the club seems to really value him and wanted him back. Which is a good place to be.
He also seems like a standup guy overall who's willing to work for the rest of the team. Great type of guy to have around.
Amazing loan. Last year's loan, albeit short, was so freaking positive I almost couldn't believe it, walking straight into a good side's starting 11. Now we can run it back again, knowing that he'll absolutely get every opportunity to earn/cement a starting role. What a bevy of riches the US has now, when we aren't really even concerned about not calling in this guy for WCQ. I'm assuming after a good run of starts, he'll be there (maybe starting) in October. Great stuff. I coulda done without the contract extension, but I ain't the one collecting the increased paychecks.
I'm ecstatic! It would've been cool to see him fight for a spot at Bayern but loan and extension are literally the perfect step for him right now. Also I have full confidence in him earning a spot on the plane to Qatar. You need to be able to rotate with compressed schedule during a WC and I see him, Miles and Brooks as equally reliable for us regardless who Greg chooses in each game
What is hoffenheims current CB set up look like? Last year during his loan I know Akpoguma was out and maybe one other CB. Wondering if the depth chart is a bit fuller this go around.
I think so too. I have a ridiculous amount of faith in this kid. I really think he could be the best CB the USMNT has had in quite a while. Just stay healthy kid and go out and get er done.
Perfect move. He was great for Hoffenheim last year, a good BL club. Another year of experience just the ticket. We need this young man for USMNT and World Cup next year. Super happy for him that common sense prevailed at BM.
Starts! 🔹 A-U-F-S-T-E-L-L-U-N-G 🔹So beginnen wir gegen Mainz ⤵️#TSGM05 | #TSG pic.twitter.com/G2mri8jHA2— TSG Hoffenheim (@tsghoffenheim) September 11, 2021
chris at hoffenheim is such a ray of sunshine. he just starts and plays well. why cant all of american soccer be so easy? i almost dont want him with the nats, itll just corrupt him somehow...
It certainly looked relatively easy for him in his maiden campaign with Hoff... but he is still young and it is a tough position in a world-class league. I expect some hiccups... and of course... subsequent posters coming out of the woodwork to criticize him for them... but if he plays on par w/ last season and then shows more improvement then we are looking at the #1 CB for the USMNT IMO. It is still a lot to ask for a guy his age... but I think he can do it. Just think... Richards paired w/ Robinson along our backline. That would be a terribly athletic and young combo w/ all the recovery pace we would need to face class competition.
Will be interesting. Transfer market shows Hoff with 9 CBS's on their roster and light with outside backs.
The offensive players are giving the ball away so cheaply. Bruun Larsen w/ an awful giveaway that results in a goal... and just a bunch of sloppy play otherwise. You have to give Mainz credit... their press has been on point. It seems like almost every Hoff O players is being double-teamed... to a point where it looks like Hoff is down a man. But if you are a Hoff player you need to find the outlet or the switch of field because if you are double teamed someone has to be open. Really hoping they can turn it around i the 2nd half. At any rate... Richards was given praise by the announcer towards the end of the half for having a strong showing up to this point. Of course he mentioned Richards' gaff against Mainz last season that led to a goal at least twice in this one. It was really the only horrible play I can remember from Richards last season... so kind of unfortunate his 1st game this season back at Hoff is against that team. But we want to see growth... so far... I am seeing a solid CB appearance. Now I would like to see him break the lines a few times in the 2nd half. I think he only had one good long ball in the 1st. But if Hoff needs Richards to spark their offense then they are doing something wrong [see 1st half].
Both Richards and Vogt coming up lame towards the end of the match. What a poor outing for the Hoff O. Richards played well outside of a very poor pass towards the end of the game.... I will give him the benefit of the doubt because he was not at 100%... but it was a very poor decision and I am sure he didn't get an injury to his brain... so he has to clean that up.
Richards vs Mainz (09/11/21) pic.twitter.com/htHEzmID8F— FalseFullback (@FalseFullback2) September 11, 2021