In a huge match saw a dramatic end as Stuttgart scored a 92nd minute winner to win 3-2 on the night. This win pushed them above Hamburg to 2nd in the Bundesliga 2, into the automatic promotion spot. Hamburg set up in a 4-1-4-1, using their goalkeeper to create a back three in the buildup. Stuttgart sat in a 4-4-2 mid block and pressed well at times, attacking in a fluid 4-2-3-1. Both teams scored a set piece and a penalty with the winner being the only one from open play and it was a very entertaining, competitive match which could have gone either way.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Nicolas Gonzalez
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Argentine
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 06/04/1998
- Club: VfB Stuttgart
- Career: Argentinos Jrs, VfB Stuttgart
- Position: Striker
- Secondary Position: Either Wing
- Preferred foot: Left
The Argentinian international started the game on the right wing, but played the second half on the left, but was given license to roam and move centrally often. Stuttgart’s counter attacks were mainly channeled through him, he would drive through the midfield well and wanted to carry the ball, drawing several fouls. He’s 5’11” with quite a slight build but fast with good acceleration and change of direction. He was isolated a few times when trying to drive with the ball but showed good commitment and work rate to carry on.
He had good technique, able to spread play well with well struck passes. He had fast feet and close control, scored a well-taken penalty and got the assist for the winner with a low cross into the box. He had a powerful burst of pace but lacked physicality overall, however he worked hard at times with decent aggression but inconsistently, but knew when to use it.
Rating – A1
Pascal Stenzel
Player Profile:
- Nationality: German
- Age: 24
- Date of birth: 30/03/1996
- Club: VfB Stuttgart, on loan from Freiburg
- Career: Borussia Dortmund (Y), Freiburg (L), Freiburg, Stuttgart (L)
- Position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Stenzel had a decent performance at right back, showing good technical ability and was a threat from set pieces. He got the assist for their first goal with a good cross from a wide free kick and also put a direct free kick onto the post. He took progressive touches into space and took intelligent touches away from pressure to create space for himself in the buildup. He didn’t get to get into the final third often and tended to retain possession fairly well. He made a few good forward passes but also made a few questionable decisions, having passes cut out when easier, but still good, passes were on.
He was well positioned in defence, showing maturity and intelligence. He got tight to his man in 1v1s in midfield and although he was more passive closer to goal, he prevented them moving forward or inside well.
Despite a good, mature performance from the 24 year old, he lacked athleticism and aggression. He’s 6’0″ with a slim build and ducked out of challenged a few times, however did this smartly at one point to win a foul He had quite average pace and acceleration, enough to compete but not excel.
Rating – B1
Orel Mangala
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Belgian
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 18/03/1998
- Club: VfB Stuttgart
- Career: Anderlecht (Y), Borussia Dortmund (Y), VfB Stuttgart, Hamburg (L)
- Position: Centre Midfield
- Secondary Position: Defensive Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Playing in the double pivot Mangala received the ball well. He had a good touch and a low centre of gravity and explosiveness to accelerate away from pressure and turn. His passing was fairly basic with sound technique, he attempted very few more expansive passes with mixed success. Although quick physically, he was slow to make decisions on the ball and took too long to release the ball. This was frustrating at times as he lowered the tempo of play and invited pressure. Nor did he fight for his positioning and could have been more active in trying to influence the game.
Out of possession he put pressure on the ball well at times but didn’t make many defensive actions and was quite quiet when his team were out of possession. He’s 5’10” with okay build and strength but didn’t use them enough in defence.
Rating – C
Silas Wammangituka
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Congolese
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 06/10/1999
- Club: VfB Stuttgart
- Career: Paris FC, VfB Stuttgart
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary Position: Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
Starting on the left wing, he had a stronger second half after moving to the left wing. The 6’2″ winger is very slim and wirey with very long legs. He was fast but awkward and clunky with the ball at times, coming across as slightly uncoordinated. In 1v1s he would be dangerous also lost the ball quite often.
He was slow to make decisions in the final third which cost the attack a few times and his long legs means he can drive with the ball well but struggled to keep it tight at all times with small touches. He also took three shots from poor areas. Overall quite a raw player who didn’t convince me on the day but I’d like to rewatch him.
Rating – C
Clinton Mola
Player Profile:
- Nationality: English
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 15/03/2001
- Club: VfB Stuttgart
- Career: Chelsea, VfB Stuttgart
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Secondary Position: Left Back
- Preferred foot: Left
The English U19 international lined up as the left back and despite having a lot of touches he had a quiet game. His passing was very short and simple but smooth and he showed good awareness. He scanned well and and was calm on the ball with some good touches. He’s 6’0″ with lean, slim build with okay strength and aggression. He did well defensively with strong challenges and good technique 1v1, defending his wing well but not pushing up into the final third much.
Rating – C