Maximilian Mittelstädt could be the answer to Germany's prayers at left-back. bundesliga.com profiles the VfB Stuttgart wide man firmly in the running for a place in Julian Nagelsmann's UEFA Euro 2024 squad...

Stats correct as of 26 March 2024

Maximilian Mittelstädt

Age: 26 (born 18 March 1997)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Left-back/ left midfield
Country: Germany (two senior caps)

Key stats

Mittelstädt was still making in-roads with the first team at boyhood club Hertha Berlin, when he stated playing for Germany at either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup was "the goal". The left-sided specialist has had to bide his time, but will finally get the chance to build on his 31 youth caps - the last of which fell in the 2019 UEFA U21 Euro semi-finals - after being called up for senior friendlies against France and the Netherlands in March 2024. 

Mittelstädt's nomination is reward for a consistent debut season with Stuttgart. The 5'10" wing-back had featured in 23 of VfB's 25 top-flight games at the time of Nagelsmann's squad announcement, producing two goals and three assists for a Stuttgart team on course to qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Having played in UEFA competition before with Hertha - the club where he made his Bundesliga bow, aged 19 - Stuttgart's best player in 2023/24 for crosses from open play debuted for Germany in the March friendly win in France, before scoring a wonder goal on his second start, at home to the Netherlands.

Mittelstädt made 157 competitive appearances for Hertha Berlin, leaving the club in summer 2023 following their relegation to Bundesliga 2. - DFL

Plays a bit like: Christian Günter

Mittelstädt is the latest in a growing line of players to get a chance at left-back for Germany. He likes to move between defence and a more attacking role, in a similar manner to senior internationals such as Union Berlin's Robin Gosens and Freiburg captain Christian Günter. The Stuttgart No.7 arguably has most in common with the latter, including a laser-guided left foot known for picking a pass from open and set plays.

Did you know?

A year after getting his hands on the 2014/15 U19 German Cup with Hertha, Mittelstädt won the prestigious Fritz Walter bronze medal - part of the group of annual awards that has been bestowed upon the best young footballers in Germany since 2005. Previous bronze medal winners include Joshua Kimmich, Marc-André ter Stegen and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Watch: Maxi Mittelstädt scored one of the top 5 goals on Matchday 20 of 2023/24

About the players

7

Maximilian

Mittelstädt

VfB Stuttgart

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What they're saying

"Maxi's been a great signing for us. He's versatile, direct and gives us real momentum. Perhaps the national team can take advantage of that." - Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, prior to Mittelstädt's maiden call-up

"It worked well with Maxi. He always dreamed of becoming a professional and worked hard for it. He's the best example for our younger talent to follow." - Mittelstädt's former Hertha coach, Pal Dardai

About the clubs

VfB Stuttgart

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