Timo Horn has gained plaudits from top managers across Europe following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga this season.
The 23-year-old German Under-21 international helped 1. FC Köln to their highest finish for 24 years, after conceding just 40 goals in 33 Bundesliga games. Since the clubs promotion in 2014, Köln have not once landed in the relegation zone, and a great deal of that is down to the man between the posts.
Young Horn has stamped his authority in a league currently blessed with several top quality goalkeepers. The six-foot-four-inch stopper has commanded his defence well and is known for his ability to claim crosses confidently and start counter-attacks. Horn has caught the ball on 64 occasions, and should the young German drop a ball, the Köln stopper is quick off the mark to gather any loose balls.
Horn has an admiration towards Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer, stating that he has “set a new standard for goalkeepers around the world,” but insists that he “still has very much to learn” if he wants to be as good as the German number one.
Home is where the Dom is
Born in Cologne, Horn has a contract with the club until 2019, and isn’t likely to leave the RheinEnergieStadion any time soon, despite being linked with a move to Liverpool, who have recently signed 1. FSV Mainz 05 goalkeeper Loris Karius.
“I have a long contract,” Horn told These Set Pieces. “My heart is in Cologne.”
Best and worst of the 15/16 season
Horn’s best performance in the 15/16 Bundesliga season came in a 3-0 away win against Schalke 04. Despite Köln scoring on three occasions, Horn was forced into making seven saves, compared to Ralf Fährmann’s one.
The lowest point of Horn’s, and perhaps Köln’s Bundesliga season was conceding six goals against Armin Veh’s Eintracht Frankfurt side just four games into the season.
Horn could yet feature for Germany at the Olympics
“I have had some good talks with Horst Hrubesch,” Horn told the clubs website. “During the qualifications he told me already that he would be counting on me.”