Breakthrough of the season
Munich - It was evident after his arrival in Sinsheim in January 2011 that Roberto Firmino was a player of exceptional talent. After playing a decisive role in helping 1899 Hoffenheim avoid the drop in 2012/13, the Brazilian playmaker has well and truly established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most feared attackers after a stunning campaign in 2013/14.
2013/14 End-of-Season Awards:Player|Newcomer|Coach|Returning Hero|Breakthrough|Sharpshooter|Saviour|Fairest Player|Dangerman|Penalty Killer|Speed Demon|Signing|Most Improved Player|Wing Wizards|Unsung Hero|Mr. Indispensable|Jinx|Mr. Reliable|Rising Stars
Hoffenheim improved significantly on last season's 16th-place finish to end up in a respectable ninth in the table, with Firmino scoring 16 times, the joint-fourth highest tally in the division, and shattering his personal best of seven goals from last term.
Moreover, he also laid on 12 goals, just two less that the leading assist-maker Marco Reus, demonstrating how much of a team player he has become in recent months. As a chief component of a side whose games produced the most goals of any club in the league this season (142), Hoffenheim supporters, and Bundesliga fans in general, will be delighted by news that Firmino signed a deal to extend his stay at the club until 2017.
