Even if FC Bayern only got a fifth division club out of the way with Bremer SV, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting once again placed his value as a player and personality for the record champions at the 12-0 shooting festival in the first round of the DFB Cup Proof.
“Choupo, Choupo, Choupo”, it echoed unmistakably through the Bremen Weser Stadium. For the “Hamburger Jung”, as Erix Maxim Choupo-Moting calls himself, Wednesday evening could not have gone better.
With four goals and three assists, he was involved in seven of Bayern’s twelve goals against Bremer SV – reason enough for the numerous Munich fans who appeared in the stadium to celebrate the replacement of the spared Robert Lewandowski for minutes after the final whistle.
“It was a beautiful and successful evening,” said Choupo-Moting shortly afterwards on Sky-Microphone. “I’ve done a five-pack and a six-pack on the football field, but I think it was my first four-pack in my professional days.”
Sure, the performance against the fifth-rate and accordingly hopeless opponent should not be overrated. The good training game, because it was seriously approached from the first to the last minute, turned out to be further evidence of why the commitment of Choupo-Moting in October 2020 was an absolute stroke of luck for FC Bayern.
FC Bayern: Choupo-Moting delivers when it’s needed
The 32-year-old striker knows about his role as Lewandowski backup, but delivers reliably and consistently when he is needed. Whether in the Champions League against Kailber like Lazio Rome or Paris Saint-Germain, in day-to-day business in the Bundesliga – or on days when everything on paper suggests a walk. Coach Julian Nagelsmann was full of praise for Choupo-Moting after the 12-0 win – and not primarily because of his offensive performance.
“It is relatively clear to me that a player wants to do something with the ball. The fact that he scored and prepared a lot of goals is good. But that he defends so well, I give him great credit,” said Nagelsmann. “I always find it very praiseworthy when someone with the status he already has steps on the gas.”
Words that show how important Choupo-Moting is as a personality for the Nagelsmann team. The Cameroonian international, although he is more of a complement than a regular, has a great influence on his colleagues because he speaks a lot with them and, in addition to his humorous nature, demonstrates the highest level of professionalism.
It was not without reason that those responsible decided in June to equip the Choupo-Moting, which was originally only obliged for eight months, with a two-year contract until 2023. He is a high performer and a carer at the same time, especially the younger ones can take an example from the former HSV, Mainz and Schalke professional.
Kimmich on Choupo-Moting: “An important factor”
“I always tell myself and every individual: Regardless of whether you play a lot or not, if you get the chance, you should give it your all. Every game is important,” said the crowd favorite after the Schützenfest in Bremen.
This attitude is also well received by seasoned actors. “Choupo distinguishes many things”, Joshua Kimmich praised his colleague. “In terms of sport, he is someone we can always throw in, we don’t have to worry. In terms of play, he is a top player and always has an eye for his teammates, like the goal from Bouna Sarr, which he prepared very well. But He’s really important, especially in the dressing room. A very positive guy. He’s always on the gas, speaks a few languages. So he’s really an important factor for us. “
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