Rafael van der Vaart has received praise after adopting a holding midfield role at Hamburg.
Van der Vaart, who returned to Hamburg from Tottenham in 2012, has been the subject of heavy criticism for his poor performances in the playmaker role in which he made his name.
The Netherlands international has struggled for opportunities during Hamburg's recent troubles, but following Sunday's 2-0 derby win against struggling Werder Bremen, there has been a fresh wave of optimism.
Kicker, in an article headlined "The end of the playmaker," wrote: "He stood for something special, but in the autumn of his career he has turned into a workman, and that's the only way he can help the team."
Hamburg coach Joe Zinnbauer told the magazine: "I think that this can be a long-term solution. In the past, everyone kept saying that Rafa is only great in attack, but he has proven the opposite against Bremen. He can work in defence, and he's a strategist."
Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou, who deputised for Van der Vaart as the captain during the Dutchman's time on the bench, also heaped praise on his teammate, saying: "He's an important player for us when he has the ball, and is also willing to fight and get into the tackles."
Last month, Van der Vaart had said he was keen on moving to Serie A for a "new challenge" when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Now, though, he has said he is willing to take a pay cut to secure an extension.
"Everyone knows that HSV is my club, and I'm open to anything," he told Sport Bild earlier this week. "There is no discussion regarding my position because what many don't know is that I kicked off my career at Ajax in the No. 6 position."
Hamburg are currently 15th in the Bundesliga table, and at the weekend travel to in-form FC Augsburg, who are six points ahead of HSV and now sit in sixth place.