Edmond Tapsoba could never have imagined his start to life at Bayer Leverkusen. Coronavirus may have paused his Bundesliga career just five games in following his winter arrival from Vitoria Guimaraes, but he has already proved key at the club.

The Burkina Faso international was back on the pitch alongside his teammates on Wednesday for the first time since the Bundesliga's suspension in mid-March due to coronavirus. Following a two-week break, Leverkusen returned to training in groups of two, with Tapsoba teaming up with Moussa Diaby, Leverkusen's electric winger who has been one of the centre-back's biggest helps for settling into life on the Rhein.

"It was mainly Moussa Diaby and Jonathan Tah who both speak French - but also Wendell with whom I speak Portuguese," Tapsoba told Kicker of those who have helped him to settle in most. That language barrier, which has been a struggle for many when moving to Germany, is slowly coming down, even if the 21-year-old might still miss home.

Jonathan Tah (r.) is one player who has helped Edmond Tapsoba (l.) settle into life at Bayer Leverkusen with his ability to speak French. - DFL

"First of all, of course, I missed my family and friends," Tapsoba said. "It wasn't easy. The food here is very different. However, I can cook and like to do it - often something African to do something good for me and to feel good."

Something Tapsoba has not found difficult, though, is adjusting to life on the pitch. The youngster has made nine appearances in all competitions in the black and red of Leverkusen, and failed to win just one of those games – a 1-1 draw away at RB Leipzig. And Tapsoba is looking to make sure that Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz continues to be proven right in his decision to throw Tapsoba in at the deep end.

"It's a great thing. Now it's up to me to keep working hard so the coach doesn't regret his choice," Tapsoba said. "My German adventure really started well. It's like a dream come true. I was with Guimaraes for just a few months, becoming a professional, and just six months later I'm moving to Germany."

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Tapsoba – like all other Bundesliga players – has been forced to stay at home for the last two weeks in isolation, but it's something that doesn't trouble the youngster. "I like to be at home," Tapsoba said. "I like to lie in my bed, that's a big hobby of mine."

Another hobby of his is playing FIFA, and he's done so already with plenty of the Leverkusen team, and already has his favourite opponent. "Kevin Volland," he explained with a smile. "I like his way of playing and at FIFA he lets me win a lot of games."

Edmond Tapsoba (r.) has arrived at Bayer Leverkusen and quickly become one of the team's most important players. - DFL

It will be a while yet before Tapsoba and his teammates are taking themselves from the virtual pitch back to the real one and having made such a good start to life in Germany, it's something that can't come quickly enough for the Burkina Faso international.

"I miss the games," said Tapsoba. "We become professionals, play in large stadiums and now we’re not allowed to play. It's like taking away our greatest passion."

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