Deniz Undav made the most of his substitution, becoming the match-winner by scoring the decisive goal for the German national team. Despite this outstanding performance and his impressive season record, he must temper his hopes for a larger role in the squad.
Initially on the bench and then scoring the 2-1 winning goal against Ghana, Deniz Undav celebrated a «perfect evening.» Although the 29-year-old is Germany’s top offensive player this season with 23 goals and 13 assists, he started on the bench before chants from Stuttgart spectators demanded his entry. Undav was visibly moved, stating: «It was incredible to hear how the fans supported me.»
National coach Julian Nagelsmann had clearly defined Undav’s role beforehand: he is «more of a finisher,» whose qualities particularly come into play when the opponent is already fatigued. As a «super sub,» Undav can deliver the decisive blow to a tired opponent but isn’t necessarily suited for the DFB team’s intense pressing game.
Undav fulfilled precisely this role that evening: in the 88th minute, he converted a header assist from the also-substituted Leroy Sané for the 2-1 lead. It was his fourth goal in seven international matches – a remarkable ratio that shows Undav usually scores for the national team when he plays.
Despite the winning goal and his exceptional scoring rate at VfB, his role at the upcoming World Cup is unlikely to expand. Undav expressed hope for a change in his role after his Ghana appearance: «I know my role, but such goals might change my role,» he added, but also stated: «But I accept it.»
Nagelsmann unequivocally confirmed this assessment. When asked about Undav’s role for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the national coach explained that it was «rather unlikely» anything would change. He referred to his «credibility»: «I’m not having these role discussions for March, but for the World Cup. If I were to change everything then, there’d be no point in having the role discussion at all.»
Nagelsmann’s Credibility and Undav’s Super Sub Role
The debate surrounding Undav’s position is likely concluded. The VfB striker will have to accept his super sub role, for which Nagelsmann found further arguments in the match against Ghana. On one hand, Undav remained rather subdued after his substitution, but on the other hand, he still scored the decisive winning goal.
The assist for the goal, incidentally, came from another substitute. After a rather weak performance from the start against Switzerland, Leroy Sané initially watched from the sidelines. Upon his substitution in the 78th minute for Nick Woltemade, the offensive player was even booed – an incident that drew widespread criticism.
Leroy Sané Booed: Undav and Nagelsmann Show Solidarity
Deniz Undav, in particular, made his stance clear and issued an emotional appeal to the German fans: «I ask every fan that when Leroy or another player comes in, there are no boos – no matter what a player does or how the player is. You should stand behind the team.» He emphasized the necessity of unity between the team and fans and expressed hope that this would be different at the tournament, as Sané «belongs to us, like everyone else.»
Nagelsmann echoed Undav’s criticism of the boos directed at the 30-year-old. He used strong words: «I generally don’t think it’s nice when our players are booed. As long as players wear the eagle on their chest, they should be supported by the German fans.» He added: «To boo him before he’d had his first action, I don’t think that’s super fair. Leroy played significantly better today than against Switzerland and set up the goal with a great run.»
Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade: Season Statistics (Hypothetical 2025/26)
| Statistic | Deniz Undav | Nick Woltemade |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 38 | 48 |
| Goals | 23 | 11 |
| Assists | 13 | 5 |