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Deniz Undav’s dream debut season in the Bundesliga

Deniz Undav’s dream debut season in the Bundesliga

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Bayer Leverkusen have dominated the Bundesliga discourse in recent weeks after becoming the first ever German side to complete an invincible season, and rightly so. However, VfB Stuttgart claiming a second-placed finish is equally deserving of the highest praise. Sebastian Hoeneß’ side have been completely reinvigorated over the last 12 months, transforming from relegation candidates to securing Champions League qualification for the first time since 2009-10. 

By Luke Bissett

VfB have been one of the Bundesliga’s finest entertainers across the course of the campaign – notching 78 league goals – their most in the top-flight since 1996-97 (also 78). And at the heart of the side’s commanding displays have been strike duo Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav, with the pair tallying a remarkable 57 goals + assists between them. Though while Guirassy has captured most of the headlines, Undav’s belated maiden Bundesliga season has undoubtedly been one of the stories of 2023-24.  

The striker’s loan move from parent club Brighton and Hove Albion came as somewhat of a surprise last summer. Undav had closed last term in tremendous fashion, scoring five goals in eight games before the end of the season. With that in mind, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi earmarked his temporary transfer to Stuttgart by stating that Brighton would “look forward to welcoming him back at the end of the season.” 

Having said that, the 27-year-old’s start to life at the MHPArena was a rather frustrating one. He was sidelined during the opening weeks of the campaign after suffering knee ligament damage in pre-season training, while he did not make his first Bundesliga start until the end of October in Matchday nine. Undav however, wasted little time in laying down a marker upon his introduction to the side. He scored 18 league goals this term, the most of any German-born player in the ‘big five’ European leagues.

After playing deputy to Guirassy for the opening spell of the season, Undav’s goalscoring exploits were too hard to ignore with seven strikes in his first 10 appearances. Instead, Die Schwaben manager Hoeneß opted to alter his system to accommodate both strikers. A decision that certainly paid dividends. Undav and Guirassy operated in tandem at the tip of the VfB attack, posing an almighty nuisance to defences across the Bundesliga.  

Undav would typically assume a more withdrawn strike role, dropping deep to link play and help  transition the ball into the final third. Though that is not to say his threat on goal was any less. The 27-year-old’s 18 Bundesliga goals was the fourth-most in the division. His perfectly timed runs into the opposition box would generate a constant option for Stuttgart’s wide players. And  they continuously picked him out, time and time again. Undav averaged 4.6 shots per 90 in the Bundesliga, the most of any player in the German top-flight. 

The striker has garnered a reputation as a clinical poacher over the last few years, greatly aided by him winning the Belgian First Division A top scorer award in 2021-22. And that tag continued to ring true with Stuttgart this season. The 27-year-old boasted a remarkable average of 1.21 non-penalty goals + assists per 90, the second-most across the big five European leagues, behind only Harry Kane (1.24). Undav also averaged 2.2 shots on target per 90 minutes, which is the highest of any player among the continent’s ‘big five’ divisions. He concluded the season with 27 direct goal involvements in just 30 Bundesliga appearances.

The forward played an integral role throughout Stuttgart’s attacks, picking up pockets to drag opposition defenders out of possession and thus creating more space for Guirassy. The 27-year-old attempted the third most through balls in the league this term (18). Undav has developed  into a real attacking all-rounder, providing 0.43 assists per 90 – the sixth most in the German top-flight. He averaged 7.6 attacking sequence involvements in the Bundesliga, more than any other Stuttgart player to have played at least 450 minutes. By dovetailing with Guirassy, the strike duo formed one of the most potent forward-lines in the Bundesliga. In fact, Stuttgart scored 3+ goals in 16 of their 34 league games this term (47%).

Undav enjoyed a stellar maiden campaign in the Bundesliga, winning the Player of the Month award in both November and January. His final third decision-making has also greatly improved, something which will certainly encourage Brighton fans. However, it remains to be seen whether Undav will return to the AMEX Stadium amid reports surrounding Stuttgart’s potential option to purchase the striker. And with a guaranteed Champions League spot next season, it would seem extremely likely that Hoeneß & co wish to keep the 27-year-old as they mount their assault on multiple fronts next season.  

There is also the likelihood that Undav’s stock will rise even further in the coming weeks. His fine form saw him earn his first ever call up for the German national team in March. A feat which the 27-year-old did not even achieve at youth level. And the striker has now been selected in manager Julian Nagelsmann’s provisional squad for the upcoming European Championships. 

Undav has shot himself firmly into contention to play a huge part in the home nation’s plans this  summer.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Stuttgart and Germany game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Deniz Undav’s dream debut season in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen have dominated the Bundesliga discourse in recent weeks after becoming the first ever German side to complete an invincible season, and rightly so. However, VfB Stuttgart claiming a second-placed finish is equally deserving of the highest praise. Sebastian Hoeneß’ side have been completely reinvigorated over the last 12 months, transforming from relegation candidates to securing Champions League qualification for the first time since 2009-10. 

By Luke Bissett

VfB have been one of the Bundesliga’s finest entertainers across the course of the campaign – notching 78 league goals – their most in the top-flight since 1996-97 (also 78). And at the heart of the side’s commanding displays have been strike duo Serhou Guirassy and Deniz Undav, with the pair tallying a remarkable 57 goals + assists between them. Though while Guirassy has captured most of the headlines, Undav’s belated maiden Bundesliga season has undoubtedly been one of the stories of 2023-24.  

The striker’s loan move from parent club Brighton and Hove Albion came as somewhat of a surprise last summer. Undav had closed last term in tremendous fashion, scoring five goals in eight games before the end of the season. With that in mind, Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi earmarked his temporary transfer to Stuttgart by stating that Brighton would “look forward to welcoming him back at the end of the season.” 

Having said that, the 27-year-old’s start to life at the MHPArena was a rather frustrating one. He was sidelined during the opening weeks of the campaign after suffering knee ligament damage in pre-season training, while he did not make his first Bundesliga start until the end of October in Matchday nine. Undav however, wasted little time in laying down a marker upon his introduction to the side. He scored 18 league goals this term, the most of any German-born player in the ‘big five’ European leagues.

After playing deputy to Guirassy for the opening spell of the season, Undav’s goalscoring exploits were too hard to ignore with seven strikes in his first 10 appearances. Instead, Die Schwaben manager Hoeneß opted to alter his system to accommodate both strikers. A decision that certainly paid dividends. Undav and Guirassy operated in tandem at the tip of the VfB attack, posing an almighty nuisance to defences across the Bundesliga.  

Undav would typically assume a more withdrawn strike role, dropping deep to link play and help  transition the ball into the final third. Though that is not to say his threat on goal was any less. The 27-year-old’s 18 Bundesliga goals was the fourth-most in the division. His perfectly timed runs into the opposition box would generate a constant option for Stuttgart’s wide players. And  they continuously picked him out, time and time again. Undav averaged 4.6 shots per 90 in the Bundesliga, the most of any player in the German top-flight. 

The striker has garnered a reputation as a clinical poacher over the last few years, greatly aided by him winning the Belgian First Division A top scorer award in 2021-22. And that tag continued to ring true with Stuttgart this season. The 27-year-old boasted a remarkable average of 1.21 non-penalty goals + assists per 90, the second-most across the big five European leagues, behind only Harry Kane (1.24). Undav also averaged 2.2 shots on target per 90 minutes, which is the highest of any player among the continent’s ‘big five’ divisions. He concluded the season with 27 direct goal involvements in just 30 Bundesliga appearances.

The forward played an integral role throughout Stuttgart’s attacks, picking up pockets to drag opposition defenders out of possession and thus creating more space for Guirassy. The 27-year-old attempted the third most through balls in the league this term (18). Undav has developed  into a real attacking all-rounder, providing 0.43 assists per 90 – the sixth most in the German top-flight. He averaged 7.6 attacking sequence involvements in the Bundesliga, more than any other Stuttgart player to have played at least 450 minutes. By dovetailing with Guirassy, the strike duo formed one of the most potent forward-lines in the Bundesliga. In fact, Stuttgart scored 3+ goals in 16 of their 34 league games this term (47%).

Undav enjoyed a stellar maiden campaign in the Bundesliga, winning the Player of the Month award in both November and January. His final third decision-making has also greatly improved, something which will certainly encourage Brighton fans. However, it remains to be seen whether Undav will return to the AMEX Stadium amid reports surrounding Stuttgart’s potential option to purchase the striker. And with a guaranteed Champions League spot next season, it would seem extremely likely that Hoeneß & co wish to keep the 27-year-old as they mount their assault on multiple fronts next season.  

There is also the likelihood that Undav’s stock will rise even further in the coming weeks. His fine form saw him earn his first ever call up for the German national team in March. A feat which the 27-year-old did not even achieve at youth level. And the striker has now been selected in manager Julian Nagelsmann’s provisional squad for the upcoming European Championships. 

Undav has shot himself firmly into contention to play a huge part in the home nation’s plans this  summer.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Stuttgart and Germany game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.