Waldemar Anton: Who is the VfB Stuttgart captain and new Germany defender?
VfB Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton is in Germany's UEFA Euro 2024 squad having caught the eye of Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Read on for more on the no-nonsense Stuttgart centre-back...
Stats correct as of 17 May 2024
Age: 27 (born 20 July 1996)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Centre-back
Country: Germany (1 cap)
Key stats
Anton's first call-up to a senior Germany squad for the March 2024 friendlies against France and the Netherlands - and full international debut against the French - was a long time coming. The Uzbekistan-born defender - whose parents are of German and Russian descent - has made over 190 Bundesliga appearances for Hannover and Stuttgart, including all-but one so far this term as captain of a VfB team that surprised everyone by qualifying for the next season's UEFA Champions League.
The 6'2" Stuttgart general has set quite the example, with club-leading stats for aerial challenges won, as well as three assists from centre-back. He also has the experience of a promotion-winning Bundesliga 2 campaign with Hannover, a successful relegation play-off at the heart of the VfB defence and 11 caps for Germany's U21s. He is contracted to Stuttgart until summer 2027 and his stock continues to rise after being named in Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 squad.
Plays a bit like: Eric Dier
Robust, uncompromising and a real aerial presence, Anton ticks all the boxes for a centre-half. He can also play at right-back and has even operated in holding midfield, where he can put his high game IQ and passing ability to further use. Perhaps think of him as Germany's answer to Eric Dier, the versatile Bayern Munich and England defensive specialist.
Did you know?
Having grown up idolising former Bayern forward Roy Makaay, Anton started life out as a striker, before dabbling in midfield and eventually being refashioned as a central defender. No wonder he's so handy in the opposition box!
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What they're saying
"Waldemar is everything you want from a captain: tireless, disciplined, always trains at 100 percent. He's consistent, is a real stabilising factor in the defence and makes very few mistakes. He's every coach's dream because he's an absolute team player." - Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß
"Waldemar has become a firm fixture in our defence and a genuine leader on and off the pitch. He consistently trains and plays at the highest level, and also has an excellent mentality." - Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth, speaking in January 2024 following Anton's contract extension
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