Stuttgart Soars with Early 2026 Success

Following two remarkable victories in the Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart has been officially dubbed the “Team of 2026” by a prominent football news outlet. The squad, coached by Sebastian Hoeneß, is riding high after impressive wins against Champions League contenders Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund as they kick off the new year.

Stuttgart Exudes Assurance

Stuttgart’s outstanding start to the year is noteworthy considering they are still without their key playmaker, Bilal El Khannouss, who is currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco. The team is eager to maintain this momentum as they prepare to face 1. FC Union Berlin in their upcoming league match, marking the start of the 2025/26 Bundesliga Rückrunde.

Union Berlin surprised Stuttgart in their season opener back in August at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. However, Stuttgart appears confident in reversing that outcome at the MHP Arena this Sunday, even though Steffen Baumgart’s Union side is also on a solid run.

Deniz Undav Riding the Wave

“I felt like I could have netted ten goals by myself today,” Undav remarked to Sky Germany after their recent match against Dortmund. “I had numerous clear-cut chances, but I missed them to keep things interesting. I’m thrilled for both Demirovic and Nartey. It’s great that other players are contributing on the scoreboard. I hope it empowers them. We have a deep squad and many more matches ahead, so let’s keep the scoring going!”

Nikolas Nartey Defying the Odds

The Danish player, who many believed would never return to the pitch due to chronic cartilage issues in his knee, has made a comeback after two years largely spent in rehabilitation or with the VfB reserves. Nartey has made 15 appearances for the first team, the most he’s played for Stuttgart since joining the club in 2019. He scored his first-ever Bundesliga goal, marking the halfway point of the season.

“Anyone who endures such a lengthy injury and returns in peak form tells a remarkable story,” said Fabian Wohlgemuth, the VfB board member overseeing sports. “To come back with such vigor after so much suffering is extraordinary. He is my candidate for the ‘Player of the First Half of the Season.’ To continually find motivation after setbacks deserves immense respect.”

“I had moments when everything felt dismal,” Nartey admitted. “But my friends and family supported me through it, and the coach believed in my potential. It’s been so long that I almost forgot how to celebrate. I’ve put in hard work to prove myself, and while it took a while, it has been worth it.”

Ermedin Demirovic Craving More

After a lengthy injury hiatus, few would expect Ermedin Demirovic to attain his usual scoring targets this season. Remarkably, with half the season remaining, the 27-year-old player (currently with four goals) might still hit 15 for the year.

Demirovic seems determined to achieve his goals and is eager to make amends after a disappointing 2022 DFB Pokal final with Freiburg. He expressed a newfound energy after scoring upon his return to Stuttgart’s starting line-up.

“This was one of the best days I’ve ever experienced in football,” Demirovic exclaimed. “I’m incredibly happy today. The winter break has unleashed everyone’s energy. Every player is eager to score goals, win matches, and celebrate victories. The ambition for more is palpable in every training session and match.”