Even during his best days at West Ham United, few would argue that Vladimir Coufal fell into the ‘world-class’ bracket.
In fact, there is realistically a very small group of players who have performed at a ‘world-class’ level in claret and blue in the Premier League era.
Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand developed into truly elite talents away from Upton Park. You could make the same argument about Carlos Tevez, even if Tevez was the spark which ignited Alan Curbishley’s ‘Great Escape’ of 2007.
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Carlos Tevez of West Ham United celebrates scoring during the Barclays Premiership match between West Ham United and Bolton Wanderers at Upton Park on May 5, 2007 in London, England. Crysencio Summerville of West Ham United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England.
Dimitri Payet, on the other hand, earned the unique achievement of having been nominated for the Ballon D’Or while still a West Ham United player. And while Declan Rice has blossomed into arguably the most complete central midfielder in the country, those who claim he only became ‘world-class’ after joining Arsenal clearly weren’t paying attention.
Vladimir Coufal, though, was more solid than special. A warrior, yes – ‘warrior’ is the word Tomas Soucek used to describe his close friend – but never world-class.
But at Hoffenheim, sitting within touching distance of a Champions League spot, the 33-year-old Coufal has gotten used to attracting the kind of adoring praise which often passed him by in England.
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Former West Ham United favourite Vladimir Coufal earns ‘world-class’ billing at Hoffenheim
Vladimir Coufal during Hoffenheim's Bundesliga game against Freiburg.
Photo by Simon Hofmann/Getty Images
Per stats specialists WhoScored, Coufal has been the best right-back in Europe during 2025/26. The veteran joins the likes of Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and the aforementioned Rice in their prospective Team of the Season.
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By his own admission, Soucek could not understand Graham Potter’s reasoning when the former Hammers boss decided against offering Coufal a new contract nearly 12 months ago. Hoffenheim were never going to make the same decision. A useful piece of the West Ham jigsaw in East London, Coufal is the picture at the heart of Hoffenheim’s puzzle these days.
“A world-class guy and an absolute role model professional,” teammate Grischa Promel said after the Czech Republic international was rewarded with a contract extension this week [Kicker].
“There are many players who could learn a thing or two from him. Just the way he stands in his boots, like he’s carved from stone. We’re very glad he’s here.”
“He’s a great guy, you can just tell how much experience he has,” added forward Fisnik Asllani. “He delivers fantastic crosses, he’s a fighter and a runner who works for the team. We’re happy to have him.”
Vlad is statistically the BEST right-back in Europe! 🇨🇿 🫨
How do you feel about the decision to let him go now?
Vladimir Coufal of Hoffenheim in action during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and SC Freiburg at PreZero-Arena on February 14, 2026 in Sinsheim, Germany.
Coufal leading Champions League charge as Hammers battle against the drop
Coufal scored a free-kick against Bayern Munich only weeks into his Hoffenheim career. In contrast, he never found the net even once for West Ham. With six assists, meanwhile, he needs only two more to make 2025/26 the most productive campaign of his career.
No wonder people in Germany are calling Coufal’s signing an ‘absolute masterstroke’. He has scored or assisted 14 per cent of Hoffenheim’s goals, with the surprise packages from Sinsheim likely to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2019, when Joelinton and Reiss Nelson were wearing blue and white.
“Vlad brings enormous experience and gives our team a lot of stability on the right side,” says Andreas Schicker, Hoffenheim’s sporting director. “With his professionalism, his mentality, and of course his performances, he is an important part of our team both on and off the pitch.
“He takes responsibility, leads by example, and is also a role model for our younger players.
“We are very pleased that we are continuing our journey together with him, as Vlad is an absolute anchor in our plans.”
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