KEVIN AKPOGUMA NEWS

Defensively excellent Akpoguma recorded four tackles (two won), seven clearances and three interceptions in Sunday's 0-0 draw against FC Augsburg. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 87th min...

Impact It took a while, but Akpoguma put forth a standout defensive performance. The center-back's seven clearances tied his season high, first established in 1899 Hoffenheim's season-opening bout. For the first time this season, Akpoguma also logged more than two interceptions and multiple tackles won.

NOVEMBER 10 • ROTOWIRE

Plays full game Akpoguma registered one tackle (one won) and six clearances in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus FC Heidenheim.

Impact Akpoguma recorded decent defensive contributions, but was also beaten four times. He has started all games this season and has recorded an aggregate of 16 clearances, three interceptions and a tackle in the last three games.

OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Receives fifth yellow card Akpoguma will not be available for Friday's match against Bochum after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Gladbach.

Impact Akpoguma will not be an option for the club's next match, being suspended due to receiving five yellow cards. This will affect the squad slightly, seeing the defender has started in four of the past five matches. Expect Attila Szalai to start in place of the suspended Akpoguma.

DECEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Makes three blocks at Sttutgart Akpoguma recorded three blocks, two tackles (zero won), two clearances and one interception in Saturday's 3-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart. In addition, he was given a yellow card in...

Impact Akpoguma had a good defensive outing to help Hoffenheim earn three points on the road. The centerback led his side in blocks during the match. He also received his third yellow card in five appearances (two starts) so far, though.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy again Akpoguma (illness) is an option for Saturday's match against Koln, according to the team.

Impact Akpoguma is once again fit after dealing with an illness during the international break. His return will boost the Hoffenheim backline by giving them more options and some depth in the defense. He has started one game this season, and if he is picked for the squad, it is uncertain if he will be a substitute or a starter.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with illness Akpoguma was not an option for Saturday's 3-1 win over Wolfsburg with an illness.

Impact Akpoguma was deemed not fit Saturday as he was dealing with an illness. He's appeared in one match this season and will continue to fight for a starting role with John Brooks, Attila Szalaim Kevin Vogt and Ozan Kabak.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Active in loss Akpoguma (thigh) got the start during Monday's loss to Strasbourg in a friendly.

Impact Akpoguma returned to the starting XI for the first friendly of the pre-season against Strasbourg. The defender played 45 minutes before coming off for the also returning Kevin Vogt. Akpoguma signed a three-year extension earlier in the off-season and figures to play a large role in 2023-24.

JULY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Extends contract with Hoffenheim Akpoguma has signed a three-year contract extension with TSG Hoffenheim, the club announced Wednesday.

Impact Akpoguma kept four clean sheets in 28 Bundesliga appearances (21 starts) last season, setting new personal-best top flight marks in appearances, starts and minutes played. The 28-year-old center-back has now signed on to remain at the club through the 2025/26 campaign.

JUNE 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Season over with thigh injury Akpoguma suffered a thigh injury and will not be available for Saturday's finale against VfB Stuttgart.

Impact Akpoguma will not feature in Saturday's match with a thigh injury, with Stanley Nsoki, Ozan Kabak and John Brooks the expected pair to start at center back against Stuttgart. He had made 21 starts in 28 appearances, recording 61 clearances and 75 tackles (44 won) this season. This surpasses his career high for a single season in his seventh year in the Bundesliga.

MAY 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Returning from suspension Akpoguma will be available for selection in next weekend's clash against Wolfsburg after serving a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Impact Akpoguma is likely to slot straight back into the XI in Hoffenheim's back-three next weekend after missing Saturday's win over Eintracht Frankfurt, as he had started 10 of his side's last 11 Bundesliga games prior to his suspension.

MAY 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in loss Akpoguma recorded two tackles (two won), four clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 86th minute.

Impact Akpoguma was a doubt to start Saturday's clash after picking up a nose issue against Koln. The defender was able to start and go the full 90, picking up some major defensive volume all over the pitch. The only downside for Akpoguma is that he picked up a 10th Bundesliga yellow card and will now be suspended for a Saturday clash with Frankfurt.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Leipzig Akpoguma (nose) is in Hoffenheim's starting lineup for Saturday's clash against RB Leipzig.

Impact Akpoguma had to come out of last weekend's loss to Koln with a facial injury, but he has recovered and is fit enough to maintain his starting role in the back-three on Saturday.

APRIL 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers another injury Akpoguma suffered a head injury and had to be replaced in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Koln.

Impact Akpoguma took a blow to the nose and was unable to continue. If he is unable to recover in time for Saturday's game against Leipzig, manager Pellegrino Matarazzo could opt to bring in Kevin Vogt as a like-for-like replacement, or he may shuffle his back line and bring in wing-back Robert Skov.

APRIL 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Busy defensively Akpoguma recorded three tackles (three won), five clearances and four interceptions in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 82n...

Impact Akpoguma had everything to do behind the ball during Saturday's one-all draw. The defender handled his duty well and piled on volume as he shut down wave-after-wave of Bayern attacks. Akpoguma has yet to get on the scoresheet in 2022/23, but has been a nailed-on defensive option in a variety of roles across the back-five.

APRIL 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for returns Akpoguma is eligible to return from suspension after missing Saturday's match against Gladbach.

Impact Akpoguma served a one-match ban and is now eligible for selection once more. The defender could see an immediate return to the starting XI, especially with Hoffenheim struggling for defensive depth.

JANUARY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended against Gladbach Akpoguma will miss Saturday's clash agains Borussia Monchengladbach with a suspension for yellow card accumulation.

Impact Akpoguma picked up his fifth booking of the season in Tuesday's draw with Stuttgart, meaning he will be suspended for Saturday's match. Kevin Vogt could continue starting in the back-three in his place.

JANUARY 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

On bench against Stuttgart Akpoguma (leg) is in Hoffenheim's starting lineup for Tuesday's clash against VfB Stuttgart.

Impact Akpoguma picked up a leg injury in the first half of Saturday's loss to Union Berlin, but he is fit enough to make the bench Tuesday as Kevin Vogt (strain) takes his starting spot in the back-three.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Limps off against Union Akpoguma was forced off in the first half of Saturday's match with Union Berlin due to a leg injury.

Impact Akpoguma was forced off in the 42nd minute after succumbing to injury. The defender was starting in place of the also injured Kevin Vogt, while Pavel Kaderabek came into the match as his replacement.

JANUARY 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Shifted to central defense Akpoguma had four tackles (four won) and three clearances in Sunday's 1-1 draw against 1. FC Koln.

Impact Akpoguma has completely lost his role at wing-back, but has seen some playing time at center-back. With Kevin Vogt dealing with an injury and Ozan Kabak suspended it's likely that Akpoguma and Stanley Nsoki will be the short-term center-back pairing heading into the Winter break. It remains to be seen if Akpoguma can carve out a more substantial role in the second half of the campaign.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Busy defensively Akpoguma had one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus SC Freiburg.

Impact Akpoguma added four tackles and four clearances during a defensive performance from both teams. It was a nice floor for the center-back who now has three clean sheets in just five starts. That rate likely won't be sustainable but it already surpasses the two clean sheets he managed in 19 starts in 2021/22.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Earns increased role Akpoguma scored twice and provided two assists throughout the 2021/22 Bundesliga season.

Impact Akpoguma earned a bigger role as he made a career-high 26 appearances (19 starts) for Hoffenheim. It's hard to read too much into the increased role though, as Hoffenheim dealt with an absurd amount of injuries throughout the season. Akpoguma will hope to continue working his way into the first team during the 2022/23 season.

JUNE 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended against Leipzig Akpoguma is suspended for Sunday's clash with Leipzig, due to yellow card accumulation.

Impact Akpoguma is one of three suspended Hoffenheim players, in what will likely be a tough match with so much of the defensive unit missing. Akpoguma will hope to return for a Sunday clash with Furth, a favorable match for the wing-back.

APRIL 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Wins five tackles during start Akpoguma won five tackles across 78 minutes during a 1-0 win Sunday against 1. FC Koln.

Impact Akpoguma won more tackles than any of his teammates did Sunday. The central defender will try to continue benefiting from Chris Richards' injury-related absence. Stefan Posch, Kevin Vogt and Florian Grillitsch remain more favored starting options though.

MARCH 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Available Sunday Akpoguma (thigh) is on the bench for Sunday's clash with Bielefeld.

Impact Akpoguma is on the bench Sunday, this is expected after manager Sebastian Hoeness said he was available as part of the starting XI. The wing-back will look to make his way onto the pitch in some capacity to test his thigh out in a match.

FEBRUARY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to training, could start Akpoguma (thigh) has returned to training and could start Sunday, according to manager Sebastian Hoeness.

Impact Akpoguma could even be in the starting XI, and could be starting in a more advanced midfield role with Andrej Kramaric out. The normally defensively minded midfielder will be in an interesting position as he looks to return from a thigh injury suffered before the international break.

FEBRUARY 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE