Is Deniz Undav Germany’s Most Underappreciated Striker?

Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav is quietly having a remarkable season, yet finds himself somewhat overlooked in discussions about Germany’s forward options. With 14 Bundesliga goals – second only to Harry Kane’s 30 – and a league-leading tally of 18 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, Undav is making a compelling case for a prominent role with the Nationalmannschaft. The 29-year-old’s consistent performance begs the question: is Germany failing to fully recognize its most in-form striker?

Undav himself acknowledges the need to consistently deliver. “I’m a striker with good statistics,” he recently told Bild. “I perform week after week and try to recommend myself that way.” His words hint at a growing frustration with a perceived lack of recognition, despite the undeniable numbers.

The Puzzle of Germany’s Best Striker

A key element of the puzzle is the apparent lack of communication between Undav and national team manager Julian Nagelsmann. Undav revealed he hasn’t spoken with Nagelsmann since the winter break. “He doesn’t need to talk to me,” Undav stated, adding with a pointed remark, “My arguments are on the pitch.” Nagelsmann has publicly acknowledged the need to address the forward position, calling it “a building site we need to close.”

Undav hasn’t featured for the national team since a Nations League match in June 2025. However, his prolific form for VfB Stuttgart has significantly strengthened his case for a recall. Nagelsmann is set to announce the squad for upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland (March 27) and Ghana (March 30) on March 19. The question on many fans’ minds: will Undav be included?

Undav’s Statistical Dominance

The numbers speak for themselves. Undav’s 18 goals and 11 assists in 33 competitive matches this season place him well ahead of other German strikers playing in top international leagues. This level of production hasn’t gone unnoticed within Germany. VfB Stuttgart legend Hansi Müller, a 1980 European Champion, is a vocal advocate for Undav’s inclusion. “He is the best German striker, there should be no discussion about a nomination,” Müller told Bild. “I don’t know what else he has to do. You need a player like him. He’s always good for goals, even coming off the bench.”

Müller highlighted Undav’s unique qualities. “Deniz is an absolute one-of-a-kind for me. An instinctive footballer and incredibly important as a personality. Not taking him would be absolutely wrong.”

Undav feels his goal-scoring record isn’t receiving the attention it deserves. “What is a center forward? Someone who scores goals. I have the best record, that’s why I don’t understand why people talk about other strikers and not about me.”

Harry Kane continues to lead the Bundesliga scoring charts with 30 goals, but Undav’s consistent output is rapidly closing the gap. Kane’s impact was recently highlighted after a hat-trick performance for Bayern Munich against Stuttgart in December 2025, with Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav praising Kane as “the best striker in the world,” noting his “ice-cold” finishing and overall skill. [1]

What’s Next for Undav and the National Team?

The coming weeks will be crucial for Undav. Continued strong performances for Stuttgart will undoubtedly bolster his claim for a national team spot. Nagelsmann’s squad announcement on March 19 will be closely watched by fans eager to see if the coach recognizes Undav’s exceptional form. The friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana will then provide an opportunity for Undav to prove his worth on the international stage.

For now, Undav remains focused on delivering for Stuttgart. His ability to consistently find the back of the net makes him a valuable asset for both club and country. Whether Nagelsmann will fully utilize that asset remains to be seen, but the debate surrounding Undav’s inclusion in the Nationalmannschaft is sure to continue.

What do you believe? Should Deniz Undav be a guaranteed starter for Germany? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

1. Hat-trick cameo from Harry Kane left Bayern Munich opponents speechless, Bavarian Football Works, Dec 8, 2025