BILD reviews the course of the season. - Defense receives three grade 1 awards.
The current season has gained high praise. Amidst VfB's stellar performances, who stands out as the top player?
Alexander Nübel (27): 11 clean sheets made him the best goalkeeper, with only Bayer's Hradecky (15) outperforming him. His reward is to play for Germany's fourth goalie in the Euros.
Fabian Bredlow (29): Primarily on the bench, but stepped up when necessary (4 appearances).
Hiroki Ito (25): Despite the Asian Cup in January, the Japanese star delivered a remarkable season. In the winter, Ito declined a million-dollar offer from Saudi club Al Nassr, and in the summer, he can leave for approximately €25 million due to an exit clause.
Waldemar Anton (27): As team captain and defensive leader, Anton has been vital for VfB. He often saved the day moments before conclusion. Additionally, he earned a national team spot this season.
Dan-Axel Zagadou (24): Prior to a cruciate ligament injury in January, the young Frenchman was the best defensive player in the Bundesliga, making 67.9% of his duels. In header duels, the 1.96-meter giant even succeeds in 80.7%. He aims to be ready for the start of the new season.
Anthony Rouault (22): Initially left on the bench, he ascended to the starting lineup due to Zagadou's injury. Strong in duels and dangerous in the air, the Swiss loan player played crucial games against Bayern, Leverkusen, and Dortmund.
Josha Vagnoman (23): Besides suffering from exhaustion at the beginning and foot injury at the end, Vagnoman was a regular starter. However, his body often lets him down.
Leonidas Stergiou (22): Initially on the sideline, he was promoted to the starting lineup due to Vagnoman's injury. His strength in duels and speed allowed him to play in major games against Bayern, Leverkusen, and Dortmund.
Maximilian Mittelstädt (27): Bought for €500,000 from relegated Hertha, Mittelstädt provided an essential lifeline for VfB. Offensively and defensively, he demonstrated his aggressiveness, resulting in two goals and four assists. He also scored his first DFB goal against the Netherlands. Now, he's in the Euro squad.
Pascal Stenzel (28): Once a regular starter at VfB, he became expendable. Nonetheless, he stepped up when needed, displaying solid defensive skills and making five assists.
Atakan Karazor (27): The midfield leader featured in the main lineup, making significant progress in ball control with his feet. Sadly, he has not scored after 105 Bundesliga games, despite good opportunities.
Angelo Stiller (23): Hoeness pursued Stiller relentlessly, and for good reason. In the center, Stiller orchestrated VfB's moves as if he had always been there. Aggressive in duels, he kicked off several offensive actions using his left foot (5 assists). A remarkable transfer.
Mo Dahoud (28): Sent from Brighton on a loan with great expectations. Regrettably, Hoeness seldom utilized him and will not be exercising the buyout option for £10 million.
Genki Haraguchi (33): Under Hoeness' regime, he played no role, causing the termination of his contract.
NOTE 1: The Euros refer to UEFA Euro 2020, scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 12, 2021. It is a football championship of Europe organized by Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
NOTE 2: The exit clause allows VfB to sell Ito for €25 million in the summer, which is a profitable transfer.
NOTE 3: The loan players' permanence depends on their performance, and their current contracts could be extended accordingly.
NOTE 4: The €10 million buyout option gives Brighton the right to purchase Mo Dahoud if they choose to.
NOTE 5: While Genki Haraguchi enjoyed no key role this season, his contract is not renewed, indicating his departure from the team.
Read also:
- The 15-year-old murderer admits to fatally shooting Francesco, who was 14.
- Schalke's pressure has affected Terodde.
- Columbia University Faces Possible Expulsion Following Demonstrations
- Football turmoil in Munich: Last-minute penalty stuns Bayern
Source: symclub.org
