Occasionally, DFB.de previews a national team player ahead of an important weekend for their club side. This week we have chosen Sebastian Rudy from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who take on FC Augsburg today (15:30 CEST) on Bundesliga matchday 7.
A keeper's job is often defined by his ability to solve problems. These problems are often the result of mistakes being made by his outfield players and Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann has had to solve a number of problems in his career so far, not just since joining Hoffenheim. Sebastian Rudy, however, is not a player known for causing his keeper many problems. The 25-year-old is very reliable which has repeatedly seen him be included in Joachim Löw's national team squad.
Baumann helps Rudy find his wedding ring
It's never a good idea to lose your wedding ring. Not because it can cost a small fortune, but because of what it stands for. Sebastian Rudy married his wife Elena in May 2014 and since then he proudly wears a ring as a symbol of their bond - with just one exception: During Hoffenheim's pre-season preparation for the 2014/15 season, the Kraichgau-based club were playing a friendly in Tuggen, Switzerland. Rudy was in action, had a solid performance in the 4-0 victory which included an impressive direct-free kick goal from the versatile defender. During their journey back to Germany, someone pointed out that his wedding ring was gone. Who better to step in than the problem-solver himself: Oliver Baumann. Together they drove back to Tuggen and searched the pitch. Good reflexes and a good pair of eyes would prove to be a perfect combination in the search, a search that was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.
Rudy's goal: The 2016 EURO in France
To cut a long story short: Keeper Baumann found the ring near the halfway line and returned it to the thankful owner - problem solved. With his wedding band back on his left ring-finger, Rudy was able to focus on the upcoming season again. He had just enjoyed a very solid campaign for TSG the previous year. When fit, he was usually included in the starting eleven and in 29 appearances he bagged four goals and provided three assists. The good performances also saw him return to the national team, as he made seven appearances for the DFB team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Each match for Germany's national team will take him a step closer to his big dream, being part of the 2016 EURO squad in France. After not making the squad in Brazil, Rudy has made it a priority to take part when Europe's best national teams go head-to-head. Rudy knows that in order to fulfil his dream, he needs to play consistently for his club. "I need regular match practice in order to be a candidate for the national team when they head towards France," he told German sports magazine Kicker.
Rudy starts the season on the bench
The start of this season must've been hard on Rudy, as he only made two appearances coming off the bench during the opening four matchdays. Eugen Polanski and skipper Pirmin Schwegler were preferred by coach Markus Gisdol as Rudy struggled to find a place in the starting XI.
Rudy then played the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat in Mainz, which was followed by another starting XI appearance against Borussia Dortmund during the week. Playing alongside Polanski and Schwegler in midfield, he played very well. His passing game was clever, his determination to work back was always visible and he had good moments going forward as well, scoring the 1-0 opener for Hoffenheim shortly before half time.
Rudy's good record against Augsburg
After the game, Rudy wasted no time thanking Eduardo Vargas for the assist, instead of acknowledging that he scored a good goal: "It was a perfect pass. I was able to take the ball in my stride and place it in the far corner." A victory was not on the cards for Hoffenheim that day, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang salvaged a 1-1 draw for BVB. For Hoffenheim it was only their second point of the season, but they showed that they still know how to compete at this level against one of the league's best teams. "Overall our performance was quite good today. We defended well and created danger going forward. We deserved to earn a point and perhaps even more than that. Nonetheless we are satisfied and know that we can build on this performance."
Occasionally, DFB.de previews a national team player ahead of an important weekend for their club side. This week we have chosen Sebastian Rudy from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, who take on FC Augsburg today (15:30 CEST) on Bundesliga matchday 7.
A keeper's job is often defined by his ability to solve problems. These problems are often the result of mistakes being made by his outfield players and Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann has had to solve a number of problems in his career so far, not just since joining Hoffenheim. Sebastian Rudy, however, is not a player known for causing his keeper many problems. The 25-year-old is very reliable which has repeatedly seen him be included in Joachim Löw's national team squad.
Baumann helps Rudy find his wedding ring
It's never a good idea to lose your wedding ring. Not because it can cost a small fortune, but because of what it stands for. Sebastian Rudy married his wife Elena in May 2014 and since then he proudly wears a ring as a symbol of their bond - with just one exception: During Hoffenheim's pre-season preparation for the 2014/15 season, the Kraichgau-based club were playing a friendly in Tuggen, Switzerland. Rudy was in action, had a solid performance in the 4-0 victory which included an impressive direct-free kick goal from the versatile defender. During their journey back to Germany, someone pointed out that his wedding ring was gone. Who better to step in than the problem-solver himself: Oliver Baumann. Together they drove back to Tuggen and searched the pitch. Good reflexes and a good pair of eyes would prove to be a perfect combination in the search, a search that was as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack.
Rudy's goal: The 2016 EURO in France
To cut a long story short: Keeper Baumann found the ring near the halfway line and returned it to the thankful owner - problem solved. With his wedding band back on his left ring-finger, Rudy was able to focus on the upcoming season again. He had just enjoyed a very solid campaign for TSG the previous year. When fit, he was usually included in the starting eleven and in 29 appearances he bagged four goals and provided three assists. The good performances also saw him return to the national team, as he made seven appearances for the DFB team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Each match for Germany's national team will take him a step closer to his big dream, being part of the 2016 EURO squad in France. After not making the squad in Brazil, Rudy has made it a priority to take part when Europe's best national teams go head-to-head. Rudy knows that in order to fulfil his dream, he needs to play consistently for his club. "I need regular match practice in order to be a candidate for the national team when they head towards France," he told German sports magazine Kicker.
Rudy starts the season on the bench
The start of this season must've been hard on Rudy, as he only made two appearances coming off the bench during the opening four matchdays. Eugen Polanski and skipper Pirmin Schwegler were preferred by coach Markus Gisdol as Rudy struggled to find a place in the starting XI.
Rudy then played the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 defeat in Mainz, which was followed by another starting XI appearance against Borussia Dortmund during the week. Playing alongside Polanski and Schwegler in midfield, he played very well. His passing game was clever, his determination to work back was always visible and he had good moments going forward as well, scoring the 1-0 opener for Hoffenheim shortly before half time.
Rudy's good record against Augsburg
After the game, Rudy wasted no time thanking Eduardo Vargas for the assist, instead of acknowledging that he scored a good goal: "It was a perfect pass. I was able to take the ball in my stride and place it in the far corner." A victory was not on the cards for Hoffenheim that day, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang salvaged a 1-1 draw for BVB. For Hoffenheim it was only their second point of the season, but they showed that they still know how to compete at this level against one of the league's best teams. "Overall our performance was quite good today. We defended well and created danger going forward. We deserved to earn a point and perhaps even more than that. Nonetheless we are satisfied and know that we can build on this performance."
Their next opportunity to improve their position in the standings will be today in Augsburg, but Rudy is in danger of being sidelined as his thigh is causing him problems. It would be a shame for him to miss the match, having had mostly positive experiences with the city of Augsburg. In 2012 he underwent a successful surgery in Augsburg. But he has also recorded sporting success against Augsburg: Rudy has a better record against FCA than against any other team in the Bundesliga. From five games he has managed four wins and one stalemate draw.
