Leopold Querfeld faces a real test of character. On Friday, Eintracht Frankfurt comes to the Alte Försterei – a game that could set the tone for 1. FC Union Berlin. And right in the middle of it all is the man who, at the age of 22, has long been head of defense, taking responsibility – and yet still making headlines with his penalty mistakes.
The scene still has an impact. Another penalty, another goal conceded, another moment that turns a game around. But the Hoffenheim horror becomes fuel for what has to happen on Friday.
Querfeld bears the burden of defense – and the burden of his mistakes
Querfeld is the defense chief. Without much drama. Without excuses. In all 20 competitive games he was on the pitch for the full distance, holding the center together alongside Diogo Leite and Danilho Doekhi, organizing, pushing and leading. Coach Steffen Baumgart trusts him unconditionally – and you can feel that trust.
Too late: Leopold Querfeld fouls ex-Union player Fisnik Asllani in the game at TSG Hoffenheim. It is the third penalty the defender has caused this season.Martin Agüera/kolbert-press/IMAGO
But three missed penalties in one season are a burden that a defense boss has to pay off. Against Hoffenheim, in Frankfurt, in Hoffenheim: the list is there. But it only tells half the story.
Why Union still relies entirely on crossfields
Querfeld brings Union what Baumgart needs: courage. Depth. Risk. His diagonal balls are weapons, his playmaking is an engine. He passes lines, opens up space, provides speed – something that will be extremely important against Frankfurt.
The good: Querfeld has a hell of a lot of maturity for his age.
Responsibility instead of excuses: Querfeld’s announcement before the big game
Querfeld also deals with the recent penalty accordingly. After the Hoffenheim horror, he is answering for his mistake and also taking responsibility off the ball. “I have to and will learn from it and do better next time.”