With the clock ticking down to UEFA Euro 2024, VfB Stuttgart captain Waldemar Anton has caught the eye of Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Read on for more on the no-nonsense Stuttgart centre-back...

Stats correct as of 14 March 2024

Waldemar Anton

Age: 27 (born 20 July 1996)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Centre-back
Country: Germany (11 U21 caps)

Key stats

Anton's first call-up to a senior Germany squad for the March 2024 friendlies against France and the Netherlands has been a long time coming. The Uzbekistan-born defender - whose parents are of German and Russian descent - has made over 180 Bundesliga appearances for Hannover and Stuttgart, including 25 so far this season as captain of a VfB team on course for a surprise top-four finish.

The 6'2" Stuttgart general has set quite the example, with club-leading stats for aerial challenges won and distance covered, as well as seven goal contributions 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.

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!

Anton (l.) inherited the captain's armband at Stuttgart from Wataru Endo, ahead of the 2023/24 season. - IMAGO/Michael Weber IMAGEPOWER

About the players

2

Waldemar

Anton

VfB Stuttgart

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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

About the clubs

VfB Stuttgart

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