Free-scoring VfB Stuttgart show grit to go with style
VfB Stuttgart continue to defy expectations. Both domestically and on the European stage, the Swabians have proven that last season’s good form, which saw them finish as Bundesliga runners-up and qualify for the Champions League, was no fluke.
Even if they didn’t have a dream start to their Bundesliga campaign, Sebastian Hoeneß’ free-scoring side are sat in eighth place, having hit 14 goals in five Bundesliga games, the second-best return in the league.
Their performances speak for themselves too; with a truly resilient performance away to Real Madrid, a 5-1 demolition of Borussia Dortmund, and a last-gasp 97th minute equaliser away to Wolfsburg whilst down to 10 men, Stuttgart have demonstrated that they belong at the highest level.
Watch: Stuttgart 5-1 Dortmund - highlights
Whilst Stuttgart are a team in every regard, with talent all over the pitch in the likes of Enzo Millot, Jamie Leweling, recently minted Germany international Angelo Stiller, and new signing Ermedin Demirović, one name that seems to be a mainstay in the headlines is star-man Deniz Undav.
The German is Stuttgart’s record signing, having joined permanently from Brighton in the summer. He has scored four goals in five games this season but it’s the manner of his goals that have really impressed.
He got Stuttgart’s only goal in the game against Real Madrid, in which they were unlucky not to come away with a point, having held the European giants to a draw and outplayed them for much of the opening game of their Champions League campaign.
The German international then popped up with brace against a Dortmund side that included the likes of last season’s Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton, and their former top scorer Serhou Guirassy. This thrashing of Dortmund, with goals from summer singings, reaffirmed to the Stuttgart faithful that their transfer business had indeed been shrewd.
Watch: The best of Enzo Millot
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However, perhaps his favourite of the bunch will be his 97th minute equaliser against Wolfsburg on Matchday 5. Having started on the bench, Undav replaced Millot, who himself had grabbed Stuttgart’s first of the day and had stolen the show in the first half, in the 57th minute.
A rough patch followed for Stuttgart, with Atakan Karazor receiving a second yellow card, and hosts Wolfsburg taking the lead with what seemed to be the winning goal. But the Swabians refused to give up. And right at the death, a cross from Mittelstädt found Undav unmarked at the back post, who guided the ball home and sent the fans in the away end into pandemonium.
With it was sent a clear message: Stuttgart are here to stay.
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