by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the Bundesliga showdown against Borussia Dortmund, Deniz Undav may feel almost at home.
After scoring the winner in Germany's 2-1 victory over Ghana at Stuttgart Arena on Monday, the VfB striker now has a chance to set a club record when he faces the Black and Yellow on Saturday evening.
The 29-year-old is aiming for his seventh consecutive league goal and more as the club targets its second UEFA Champions League appearance in three years.
Despite being listed as the third-choice striker by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, the forward of Kurdish descent is enjoying the best form of his career.
His 18 league goals, along with five assists, make him both Germany's and Stuttgart's top scorer and the second most productive player in the league behind Bayern's Harry Kane, who has 31 goals and seven assists.
Those figures have added to his motivation, with the forward identifying Champions League qualification as Stuttgart's main target.
As optimism appears to come naturally to him, he sees the remaining league matches against Dortmund, Bayern, Hoffenheim, Leverkusen and Frankfurt as an opportunity rather than a burden.
Momentum appears to be with Stuttgart after most of the squad enjoyed a week off, while Undav, winger Chris Fuhrich, goalkeeper Alex Nubel, defender Josha Vagnoman and midfielder Angelo Stiller were on international duty, along with Ermedin Demirovic.
As Jamie Leweling and Morocco's Bilal El Khannouss return from minor injuries, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness can count on his full squad.
"We are aware of what is at stake," Undav said, a remark that in his case could apply both to his club and the upcoming World Cup.
While listed as a Germany substitute behind Arsenal's Kai Havertz and Newcastle's Nick Woltemade, the Stuttgart striker said he would keep scoring in the hope of changing his role.
Undav has fond memories whenever he thinks of Dortmund. In November 2025, he rescued a crucial 3-3 draw by scoring all three of Stuttgart's goals.
Compared to German striking great Gerd Muller, Undav has the instinct of a street footballer but can also operate as a No. 10 around the box, providing valuable passes.
Like Muller, who scored 398 goals in 453 games, the Stuttgart striker often disappears for long spells during a match before suddenly appearing to score.
"That's my game," Undav said, adding that things tend to work out that way. ■
