Achieving his first Bundesliga appearance against Borussia Dortmund this season, Max Finkgräfe has evolved into a key plauer under new Köln head coach Timo Schultz.
Max Finkgräfe has no doubt profited from Timo Schultz's appointment at 1. FC Köln. Starting all four games under Timo Schultz in 2024, the nineteen-year-old has become one of Köln's most promising emerging talents.
With the transfer ban decision being made by the International Court of Arbitration of Sport in December, Köln have had to adhere to a one-year transfer ban taking place over the last winter window and the upcoming summer period.
Due to this, Köln have had to build upon young talents and have relied on their current roster with the aim of surviving in the Bundesliga this season.
Finkgräfe has received praise from both Timo Schultz and former Köln manager Steffen Baumgart, with the latter saying he is a "young and talented player".
In regards to his performances in recent weeks, Finkgräfe has achieved the third-highest tackle rate at 1. FC Köln (making 2.1 tackles per game).
As well as this, the nineteen-year-old's ability to make progressive dribbles and take the ball forward is a valuable asset for the Billy Goats.
As an alternative at left-back to Leart Paqarada and Dominique Heintz, Finkgräfe offers more in an attacking sense and builds upon the Timo Schultz's tactical identity of the overlapping full-backs.
During the last away game against VfL Wolfsburg, Max Finkgräfe provided a last-minute tackle which saved his team from conceding against VfL Wolfsburg.
Following the 2-0 home victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, the local Köln youth star said (after comments made by ex-Germany star and commentator Lothar Matthäus) that he was "definitely not the new Jonas Hector".
As well as this, he also desribed that he was "still nervous before and during the game" despite his experience he has collected this season.
What is next for 1. FC Köln?
For Max Finkgräfe's Köln, their next test comes in the form of an away trip to Sinsheim to play TSG Hoffenheim. The game is available to viewers in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Football on TV or via the Sky Sports App. Kick-off is 16:30 GMT.
Match Result
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