The perfect week for Florian Flick

The week started with Flick extending his contract until 2024 on Tuesday (15/2), and was capped off with a 2-0 home win against SC Paderborn. Flick had previously made his first-team debut on matchday 32 last season. “He needs to continue working hard in order to recommend himself for more appearances,” said sporting director Rouven Schröder.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has made 16 appearances for the Royal Blues, seven in the starting line-up and nine off the bench. Flick is regular part of the first-team squad, and has only missed one matchday through illness. Victor Pálsson has been first choice ahead of Flick this season, but the Iceland international missed the match against Paderborn with an injury, giving Flick the chance to prove himself – which he did with aplomb.

The Mannheim native was clocked at a top speed of 33 km/h – the fastest of any player on the pitch – and also covered a game-high 13 km. He then capped it off with his first assist of the season to set up Darko Churlinov’s goal to make it 2-0 (74’). “Without Darko making that run, I wouldn’t have been able to play the pass. He did a great job,” Flick commented afterwards.

While Flick was humble when speaking about his own performance, goalkeeper Martin Fraisl didn’t hold back with praise for his teammate. “Flo hasn’t had an easy time lately. I spoke with him the day before the game and told him that he should be courageous, demand the ball and be on the attack. He did an incredible job.”