HOPP BACKS TWO GERMAN STARS TO BREAK INTO PREMIER LEAGUE
28/03/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MAX HOPP has named the two German stars he believes can finally break into the Premier League.
Night Eight of the weekly roadshow landed in Berlin, where more than 12,000 fans packed out the Mercedes-Benz Arena — yet there was still no home favourite in the line-up.
In fact, the competition has NEVER featured a player from Germany since its inaugural debut back in 2005.
Martin Schindler is currently the nation’s sole representative inside the world’s top 16, while fellow countryman and rising star Niko Springer claimed his maiden Euro Tour title last season.
Hopp says the next contender for the major tournament is already emerging from within the ranks.
He told Viaplay: “I think it will be between Martin Schindler and Niko Springer.
“They have the scoring power, and on a good day, they can beat players like Luke Humphries and Luke Littler.
“The Premier League is always a fantastic event. The eight best players belong there.
“You can always discuss names that are in or out, like James Wade or Danny Noppert this year.
“Someone like Josh Rock shows great things on the European Tour and on the floor, but in the Premier League, there seems to be some kind of block.
“While a player like Jonny Clayton always seems to raise his level there.”
World No.70 Hopp concedes he cannot explain why Germany, despite boasting more Tour Card holders than ever, is yet to produce a major winner.
He added: “It’s difficult to say why that is. If we knew the answer, we would have changed it already.
“We have to be critical of ourselves. In matches, we need to show more resilience.
“Look at the Netherlands, with players like Michael van Gerwen and that new generation. That is simply a higher level.
“The first German to win a major will gain a special status. That can motivate, but it can also be a block. You feel that pressure.”
Hopp believes there’s talent behind Schindler and Springer, but says the players aren’t quite Premier League-ready.
He continued: “A strong group, but not yet at Premier League level.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
