VfB Stuttgart's Deniz Undav and Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl stake Germany claim
Catching the eye in Germany’s 4-0 friendly victory over Finland on Sunday, VfB Stuttgart's Deniz Undav and Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl have left head coach Julian Nagelsmann with a real selection headache before the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets under way.
Although forced off with a knock in the 61st minute of Germany’s rout against Finland, Undav had more than played his part for Nagelsmann’s side. The Stuttgart forward had worked tirelessly throughout his side’s final friendly before departing for the USA, with his high-octane performance being rewarded with two goals, in addition to an assist for Florian Wirtz’s strike.
Speaking after the game, Nagelsmann heaped praise on his centre-forward. "When you score two goals and set one up, you don't play yourself out of the team," he said, before adding: "I thought Deniz was very dangerous and played a very good game."
Undav’s three goal contributions took the 29-year-old’s tally for the national team up to eight in eight total caps (six goals, two assists), including four in his last two appearances. Even more impressive is that across 342 total minutes played, Undav has averaged at least one goal involvement in just under every 43 minutes.
Nagelsmann also made sure to quell any concern over the striker's fitness. "He played a huge amount in Stuttgart and hardly had any break, so he could feel the physical strain," the 38-year-old explained. "That's why we need to manage his workload a bit. But he looked very happy in the dressing room."
Meanwhile, Undav provided his own take, revealing: "It was a great evening [...] It couldn't have gone any better [...] I have a little bit of pain, but it's nothing serious - a bit of treatment, and I'll be fine again."
Undav wasn't the only player to have stolen the show against Finland. After two appearances as a substitute in Germany's two prior friendly encounters, Bayern starlet Karl was handed his first start for the national team by Nagelsmann - an opportunity which the 18-year-old seized with both hands.
The winger dazzled with his performance, causing problems for Finland's defence all night down the right-hand side. He even provided the assist for Undav's second - his first goal contribution in a Germany shirt - after undertaking a mazy run from inside his own half before slipping in a pin-point through-ball.
It was also the teenager's quick thinking which led to the opener, after he opted to take a short corner to Joshua Kimmich, who picked Undav out with a cross towards the far post before the Finnish defence had time to set themselves.
When asked whether Karl was now impossible to leave out of his starting line-up, Nagelsmann was eager not to put too much pressure on the youngster" "We'll see over the next week and a half. A lot has happened for him in recent months, and processing all of that is one of the biggest challenges at his age. He did well and created space for others."
Highlighting Karl's qualities, the former Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern boss continued: "He's a street footballer. You mustn't force him into rigid structures, otherwise he'll lose his flow. He's already doing a lot of things right, but there are also many things he can improve."
Regardless of the speculation surrounding the role Karl will play at the tournament, the 18-year-old was simply pleased with being handed his first start.
"I got goosebumps when we walked out onto the pitch. The national anthem and my assist were especially meaningful moments for me [...] I was really happy about the trust the coaching staff showed in me," commented the Bayern talent.
"I just love playing football, and I bring creativity and flair to the game."
