Deniz Undav, the prolific striker, has become the talk of the town, leaving Stuttgart fans wondering if they even need Woltemade anymore.
The Shifting Momentum
This week, it felt like the tide had already turned for Germany's national team. After a nervous start, they pulled off an impressive 6-0 victory against Slovakia, a stark contrast to their previous labored win. But here's where it gets controversial: the common thread in these contrasting performances was the presence of Nick Woltemade.
Stuttgart's Resilience
Stuttgart, under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeness, has proven its resilience in the face of player departures. Hoeness, who saved the club from relegation in 2023, has a track record of turning adversity into success. Despite key players like Konstantinos Mavropanos and Wataru Endo being sold, Stuttgart finished as Bundesliga runners-up and reached the DfB Pokal quarter-finals. And when Borussia Dortmund snapped up their star players Serhou Guirassy and Waldemar Anton, Stuttgart responded with strong Champions League displays and a Pokal win. So, when Woltemade left, Stuttgart knew they had the tools to adapt.
Undav Steps Up
And adapt they did, with Deniz Undav stepping up to the plate. Undav, with his natural goal-scoring instincts, has been the answer to Stuttgart's prayers. In a thrilling match against Dortmund, Undav brought his team back from a 2-0 deficit, showcasing his ability to turn half-chances into goals. Hoeness praised Undav's performance, acknowledging the striker's special talent. With six goals in his last three games, Undav has become the focal point of Stuttgart's attack.
A Dominant Style
Hoeness' team is known for their possession-based style, a key factor in their recent success. However, against Dortmund, they struggled to assert their dominance, especially in the first half. Undav's ability to convert opportunities was crucial in securing a point for Stuttgart. His goal in the second half, a classic Undav finish, gave Stuttgart a much-needed foothold in the game.
A Tale of Two Strikers
Undav, wearing the captain's armband, has led Stuttgart with distinction. His current form has kept Stuttgart in contention for Champions League places, level on points with Dortmund. For Undav, there's added motivation: he wants to prove himself at the international level, especially after Woltemade's departure. With his impressive debut Bundesliga season, Undav had hoped to be Julian Nagelsmann's starting striker for Euro 2024. But with competition from players like Kai Havertz and Niclas Füllkrug, Undav finds himself on the sidelines. At 29, he knows this could be his moment.
Stuttgart's Dependence
Stuttgart relies heavily on Undav this season, especially with Woltemade's departure. Newcastle's mega offer for Woltemade caught Stuttgart off guard, and when a deal for Oh Hyeon-Gyu fell through, the pressure was on Undav. An early injury setback didn't deter Undav, and now he looks ready to lead the line. While he might be Woltemade's understudy at the World Cup, Undav's unique profile as Germany's most natural goalscorer could see him make his personal dreams come true.
Talking Points
Dortmund, twice victims of Undav's prowess, will need to address their defensive shortcomings. The weekend also highlighted restlessness within the club, with outgoing CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed as club president with only 59% of the vote. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's 6-2 comeback against Freiburg, inspired by Michael Olise, sets up an exciting Champions League fixture against Arsenal. Bayer Leverkusen's win over Wolfsburg showcases their attacking prowess but also their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their Manchester City clash.
Undav might not be the Bundesliga's top striker, but Haris Tabakovic is giving him a run for his money. Tabakovic, fresh from his Bosnia and Herzegovina heroics, has seven goals and two assists in six games, including a goal in Gladbach's win over Heidenheim. Gladbach, once winless and bottom, has climbed to 11th with three straight Bundesliga wins.
