Stuttgart should move heaven and earth to keep Undav at the club next season
The on-loan striker has been Sebastian Hoeneß's best player in the Bundesliga this season. But Brighton may have bigger plans for the 27-year-old talent.
Sometimes goals mean more than just an extra digit on the scoreboard and on Saturday evening at the Westfalenstadion Stuttgart’s all-important breakthrough in the 64th minute was exactly that. Not only did it put the Swabians in front, but it also showcased the multifaceted nature of their attack. And against a slow, ponderous host that had struggled to break them down for over an hour, it also highlighted why Sebastian Hoeneß’s side have enjoyed so much success this season.
The goal came via an excellent finish from Serhou Guirassy, offered to the striker via a carefully weighted cut back from Jamie Leweling, who only received the ball in a useful area thanks to a wonderful dribble through the middle of the pitch by Chris Führich. And yet, the one player that draws the attention on replay is seemingly the only one that didn’t even touch the ball: Deniz Undav. Weaving in between his team mates, the 27-year-old forward almost steps on Guirrasy’s toes in the build up, before making his way to the back post. There, Mats Hummels takes note and follows his compatriot, leaving the space for Guirassy to finish the move. Goal scored. Match won.
It wasn’t a goal or an assist, but Undav’s light jog was the kind of subtle movement that has seen him not only become the perfect strike partner for Guirassy, but also a vital cog in Hoeneß’s Swabian machine. And as the club now look to secure their top-four status and make plans for next season, it will likely be the on-loan striker that will dominate Stuttgart’s summer transfer strategy and possible dictate whether they’re able to continue this impressive run into next season or watch it all implode.
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