Stuttgart's VfB experiences a significant team disparity against Gladbach, following Woltemade's absence and a major shakeup after substitutions.
In the opening match of the 2025/26 season, VfB Stuttgart faced Borussia Mönchengladbach, and the game served as a stark reminder of the void left by the departures of Nick Woltemade and Enzo Millot. As of now, their successors have yet to be found, leaving a significant gap in the team's offensive play.
The void was evident in the first half, with Chris Fuhrich and Ermedin Demirovic managing a combined total of 45 ball contacts (zero shots on goal). It was a far cry from the prolific duo's tally of 40 goals and 24 assists in all competitions last season.
However, the second half brought a glimmer of hope in the form of new signing Chema Andres. Making his Bundesliga debut, Chema scored the winning goal in the 79th minute with a header after a corner. His goal was a much-needed boost for the home team and a promising sign for the future.
Despite Chema's heroics, the team's offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. Deniz Undav, another key player, was forced to leave the game early due to injury, further compounding Stuttgart's problems up front. Tiago Tomas, who filled in for Undav, managed 31 ball contacts (4 shots on goal), but the team struggled to create consistent chances.
The sporting director of VfB Stuttgart, Fabian Wohlgemuth, is well aware of the large gap in Stuttgart's offense. He has been actively seeking a solution, and something is expected to happen before the transfer deadline on Monday evening.
The transfer fees for Enzo Millot and Nick Woltemade amount to approximately 120 million euros, a hefty sum that Stuttgart will be looking to recoup through new signings. One potential addition is Oh Hyeon-Gyu, a forward who Stuttgart reportedly holds a purchase option for.
In the goalkeeping department, Alexander Nübel had a strong game, remaining error-free unlike the previous two matches. His solid performance provided a solid foundation for the team to build upon in the coming matches.
As VfB Stuttgart continues to search for the right pieces to fill the void left by Nick Woltemade and Enzo Millot, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next move from the club before the transfer deadline. The home game premiere against Borussia Mönchengladbach did not see the new goals scored by the departed players' successors, but there is still hope for a successful season ahead.
