Julian Pauli already in the spotlight of the Premier League

With 18 goals, 1. FC Cologne has the best offense in the 2nd Bundesliga after seven match days, but is still only in eighth place in the table with just nine out of 21 possible points. On the one hand, because despite the many goals in some games, the conversion of chances was inadequate. On the other hand, because the billy goats have already had to swallow 13 goals and so in the last three games alone against 1. FC Magdeburg (1:2), at Fortuna Düsseldorf (2:2) and against Karlsruher SC (4: 0) Some clear guidance was not provided over time.

However, there is no one culprit for the susceptibility. Both full-backs, Jan Thielmann and Leart Pacarada, are equipped with plenty of offensive quality, but at the same time have some deficiencies defensively. So far, captain Timo Hübers, who should actually lead the way in the center of defense, has not had a good season considering his qualities.

Only the fourth part of coach Gerhard Struber’s back four has been almost beyond reproach so far this season, which is again remarkable. Because this is Julian Pauli, who, as the surprising winner of the pre-season, has conquered a regular place in central defense and is now an integral part of the Cologne backline.

Contract apparently until 2027

The 19-year-old impresses with his enormous serenity and strength in duels, and also has a high degree of clarity in his game and it is no coincidence that he has a pass rate of 90 percent after his first seven second division games – the experienced Hübers is in that In comparison, this is still a reasonable 84 percent.

The fact that Pauli, who was born in London to German parents and therefore also has an English passport, is under contract until 2027, according to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger (KSTA), could become important for FC in the not too distant future. In addition to the English FA, the “KSTA” is also said to have the current German U20 national player on the radar of English clubs.

In the short term, however, Pauli’s first priority is to maintain his own performance and find more stability together with the team in order to ideally be able to take the next step in the 1. FC Köln jersey.