Deniz Undav’s fortunes have significantly improved less than a year after he played a crucial role in Brighton’s victory that severely damaged Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title.
The German player joined the Seagulls’ main team at the beginning of the 2022-23 season with great expectations. Having signed in January of that year, he remained with his former side Union Saint-Gilloise for the rest of the season and finished as the leading goal scorer in the Belgian Pro League.
Scoring goals was more challenging in England. Undav scored a total of five goals in the Premier League, all of which were scored in the months of April and May. One of these goals was important in securing a victory at the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old was granted permission to depart on loan during the summer and subsequently joined Stuttgart. He has fully regained his ability to score goals in the Bundesliga, to the extent that he made his debut for the German national team in March and has a chance to be considered for the Euro 2024 tournament as a player for the host nation.
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Undav, who was signed during Graham Potter’s tenure, only managed to score one goal under the English manager’s leadership. This goal was achieved in a Carabao Cup victory against Forest Green in August 2022. In the Seagulls’ journey to the FA Cup semi-finals under Roberto De Zerbi, he contributed two additional goals. However, it was not until April, during a 6-0 victory against Wolves, that he scored his first goal in the league.
He was initially a substitute for the journey to the Emirates Stadium, a match of great significance for both teams. Arsenal was one point behind title contenders Manchester City, despite having played an additional game. Meanwhile, Brighton was in pursuit of a top-six finish and hence required the points.
De Zerbi’s team scored the first goal, as Julio Enciso headed the ball into the net while unmarked in the Gunners’ six-yard box. Undav entered the game as a substitute with 10 minutes left and skillfully capitalized on a mistake made by Arsenal to score his team’s second goal by lobbing the ball over Aaron Ramsdale. Later, Pervis Estupinan scored another goal, adding insult to injury for Arsenal.
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Deniz Undav is seen celebrating with his teammates from Brighton after successfully scoring against Arsenal. (Image: Getty Images)Empty input.
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Brighton’s victory followed a resounding 5-1 defeat inflicted by Everton. Undav provided an interview to Sky Sports following the visit to London, commending his team’s reaction and also offering insights on De Zerbi’s strategy.
The manager presented us with a Michael Jordan DVD to demonstrate how he inspired himself before each game,” the Germai stated. “After our loss to Everton, he presented us with a video, which I believe was the appropriate decision. Today, we demonstrated our mental fortitude.”
Undav scored two additional goals before the conclusion of the season, finding the net in losses against Newcastle and Aston Villa. Nevertheless, despite the arrival of Joao Pedro, a highly valued player acquired from Watford during the summer, he was instead loaned out to Stuttgart instead of staying at the Amex Stadium to further his progress.
Undav has scored a total of 15 goals in the Bundesliga while playing for Stuttgart. (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Although Serhou Guirassy received much attention for his early season goals, Undav also had a significant impact. He had already scored three goals before he made his first start in the Bundesliga, and reached a total of ten goals in all competitions before the end of the year.
In 2024, there have been an additional six goals, one of which was a hat-trick in a notable 5-2 win against RB Leipzig. Undav has scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga this season, which is only surpassed by Leipzig’s Lois Openda, Stuttgart’s Guirassy, and Bayern Munich’s top scorer Harry Kane.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has obviously noticed that his form has not improved. In March, Undav received his first invitation to join the senior Germany national team. He made his debut by playing the final 10 minutes in the away victory over France.
Undav got his first appearance for the senior Germany national team in March (Image: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
“In a January interview with Bundesliga.com, Undav, who is also eligible to play for Turkey, stated that Nagelsmann praised his performances, not just his goals, but also his fighting spirit, playing style, and overall effort.” “He stated that I have the freedom to select the country I wish to represent, but he prefers players who have a genuine desire to play for Germany.”
“I informed him that it is my aspiration to represent the German national team, as I was raised in this country.” I have no involvement with the Turkish national team.
“I informed him that my sole concentration will be on Germany entirely, as it is my utmost aspiration, and I will exert every effort to participate.” If I want to participate, I will exert maximum effort, like I usually do. He responded with the word “OK”.
Stuttgart is nearing the achievement of qualifying for the Champions League. (Image: Getty Images)
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Undav remained on the bench during Germany’s second friendly match in March, indicating that he has not yet had the opportunity to play for the national team in his own country. However, there is a possibility of a change in June, as Nagelsmann’s team will be participating in the Euros as the host nation.
Niclas Fullkrug, the player who scored the decisive goal against The Netherlands in Frankfurt, appears to be the most probable candidate to take charge of the forward position. The manager has alternative choices for the position of number nine, which are less conventional. This might be advantageous for Undav, especially considering that players like Timo Werner and the injured Brentford star Kevin Schade were not included in the March camp.
Undav has the potential to participate in the Champions League at the club level in the upcoming season. Stuttgart now occupy the third position in the Bundesliga standings with only seven matches left to play. It has been stated that they have the opportunity to secure the permanent signing of the striker for slightly more than £10 million once the summer transfer window opens.
In the event of such an occurrence, Brighton may indeed experience remorse for allowing yet another prolific goal scorer to elude their grasp, following the prior departure of Swedish sensation Viktor Gyokeres. They will face Arsenal on Sunday with a record of only three goals scored in their last five matches. It would be beneficial to have a prolific finisher, a skill that Undav has improved this season.
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Danny Murphy eliminates one team from contention for the Premier League title owing to three upcoming matches.
Arsenal supporters are apprehensive following the observation of a player’s absence from training prior to the Brighton match.
Peace lilies experience a rapid and abundant blooming when an unexpected cooking ingredient is added to their water.
Shoppers at Boots are abandoning foundation in favor of a £10 serum that effectively eliminates forehead lines within a few weeks.
Usain Bolt’s world record was broken by a 16-year-old sprinter, ending its 22-year reign.
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