Hoffenheim’s Cajetan Lenz embraces challenger role after impressive Germany U21 debut
Cajetan Lenz made an encouraging first impression for Germany U21 against Belgium, but the Hoffenheim midfielder knows he still has to fight for a regular place.
Bundesliga · Germany U21
The 20-year-old started in Antonio Di Salvo’s midfield on Friday evening as Germany lost 2–1 to Belgium in Essen. His energetic running, involvement in the attacking build-up and willingness to take responsibility in possession offered a convincing case for further opportunities.
Playing alongside Noël Aséko in central midfield, Lenz contributed to several promising attacking moves, particularly during Germany’s strongest spell in the opening half. He arrived at U21 level with nine appearances for Germany’s U20 side and younger age groups.
For the Bochum native, the debut also carried personal significance: he was playing close to his hometown, with his parents in attendance.
“I’m grateful for every minute that I get. But I believe I remain in the role of a challenger.”
A breakthrough at Bochum, a wait at Hoffenheim
Lenz’s international opportunity comes during a difficult start to life in the Bundesliga. The defensive midfielder emerged as one of the second division’s most promising young players in 2025/26, making 31 league appearances and scoring twice for Bochum. His mature performances drew considerable interest from clubs in the top flight.
Bayer Leverkusen had been identified as a potential destination, while Eintracht Frankfurt also pursued him. Hoffenheim ultimately secured his signature in a deal reportedly worth approximately €10 million.
He joined a significantly strengthened squad, however, with intense competition for midfield places. Under Christian Ilzer, his Bundesliga playing time this season has amounted to just three minutes—a sharp contrast with the responsibility he carried at Bochum.
- Bochum · 2025/26 league appearances
- 31
- Hoffenheim · Bundesliga minutes this season
- 3
An opening in Di Salvo’s midfield
Limited club opportunities have not removed Lenz from Germany’s U21 plans. Di Salvo promoted him from the U20 squad in October after Tom Bischof moved up to the senior national team. Lenz did not play during that international break, but returned to the squad in November and earned his first start against Belgium.
The withdrawals of midfielders including Arijon Ibrahimovic and Mika Baur helped create that opening. Speaking in the mixed zone afterwards, Lenz indicated that Di Salvo had made clear the competition for places would continue ahead of next summer’s UEFA U21 European Championship, for which Germany have already qualified.
The defeat in Essen overshadowed his debut, but Lenz gave the coaching staff an encouraging first performance to consider. Another friendly against Croatia on Tuesday offers the Hoffenheim midfielder a chance to build on that appearance and press his claim for a more prominent role in Germany’s preparations.
