Tobias Strobl: Defensive stalwart
First Team
02.07.2020, 10:18
Tobias Strobl was a regular starter for Borussia Mönchengladbach over the last few years, provided that he was fit and healthy. However, he's not one to seek out the spotlight, preferring to let others bask in the limelight. Now, the veteran defender is returning to his native Bavaria after joining FC Augsburg. We've compiled a profile on our latest signing.
Tobias Strobl's career has come full circle following his move to Augsburg. His footballing career began just 50 kilometres away with SV Aubing in Munich's west end. From there he moved to TSV 1860 München, where he made his way up through the academy ranks but was unable to break into the senior squad. In 2011, Strobl began a new chapter with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
He would go on to play for Hoffenheim's reserves in the Regionalliga. Strobl's professional debut finally came during a loan spell at 1. FC Köln, who were playing in the second division at the time. Strobl quickly established himself as regular starter for the Billy Goats and was able to pick up plenty of playing time during his year-long loan in Cologne. Following his return to Hoffenheim, Strobl became a key figure in defence for the Kraichgau side, but was also able to feature at a variety of positions. He would play in central midfield before being used as a centre-back and even as a right-back on occasion.
Strobl: "I'm not someone who enjoys being in the spotlight"
After three years in Hoffenheim, Strobl was looking for a new challenge. He made the move to Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016, where he played alongside André Hahn in his debut season for the Foals. Strobl was able to become a regular starter in Mönchengladbach, both in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League. After a strong debut season, Strobl was plagued by a series of injuries. In 2017, he was sidelined for several months with a cruciate ligament tear. This past season, various minor injuries also kept him off the pitch at times.
Facing off against a fit and healthy Strobl was no easy task over the past few years, as he was a fierce competitor even within a highly-talented Gladbach squad. However, Strobl was content with his teammates, especially those in attacking midfield, receiving the bulk of everyone's attention. "I'm not someone who enjoys being in the spotlight," the 30-year-old was once quoted as saying. "That's represented in the way I play as well. I tend be more in the background and would rather put in the work"
152 Bundesliga games
After four years in Gladbach, Strobl is now returning home to his native Bavaria, where his career first began. In Augsburg, the veteran defender will be looking to help bring stability to the FCA defence using the experience he's gathered from 152 Bundesliga games, together with his ability to keep calm on the ball. Strobl will leave the goalscoring up to his teammates. His only Bundesliga goal to date came on his fourth appearance, as he scored the final goal of the game in Hoffenheim's 3-3 draw against Freiburg in August 2013.
In his free time, Strobl enjoys relaxing with a game of golf, having spent a lot of time out on the golf course as a kid on his way to picking up a Bavarian youth championship in the sport. "From a young age I developed a talent for the game," he said. "But, I wanted to play football." Something that has definitely proven to be the right choice.
