Deniz Undav Doubts Germany Call-Up as Nations League Squad Decision Nears
VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav is not expecting to be included in Germany’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, admitting that his recent lack of goals could count against him. The forward’s comments came after Stuttgart suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Galatasaray in the Champions League, a result that left Undav reflecting on his own form as national team coach Jürgen Klopp prepares to name his next selection.
Asked whether he hoped to be called up for Germany’s matches against Serbia and the Netherlands, Undav gave a blunt response: “Not at all.” He added that, without goals, it is difficult to make a case for selection. The Stuttgart captain’s assessment suggests he is realistic about the competition for places in Germany’s attack, even though his overall contribution this season extends beyond scoring.
Undav’s Numbers Tell a More Nuanced Story
Undav has recorded seven goal involvements in 14 competitive appearances for Stuttgart this season. His tally includes two goals in the DFB-Pokal and Champions League, alongside five assists spread across the competitions in which the club has featured. Those figures point to a forward who remains involved in attacking play, creating chances and helping teammates, even if his recent goal return has not been as strong as he would like.
That distinction matters when assessing his Germany prospects. A striker’s role is not limited to finishing chances: link-up play, movement, pressing and the ability to bring others into the attack can all influence a coach’s decision. Still, international selection is intensely competitive, and goals often provide the most visible evidence of a forward’s current form. Undav appears to recognise that his recent performances may not be enough to move ahead of rivals in Klopp’s plans.
Germany have already played their first four Nations League matches without Undav. His absence from those squads means he would need a particularly strong run of performances—or changes elsewhere in the forward group—to force his way back into consideration. With the next selection announcement approaching, the Stuttgart striker’s comments sound less like a public appeal and more like an acknowledgement of the challenge ahead.
Could Niclas Füllkrug Return to the Germany Squad?
One of the central questions before Klopp names his squad is whether Niclas Füllkrug will return. The Werder Bremen striker has been discussed as a possible option for several weeks, with his goalscoring form strengthening the case for another opportunity. Klopp has not offered a definitive answer, however, leaving uncertainty over whether Füllkrug will be included or whether the coach will continue with the attacking group used in recent matches.
Füllkrug’s potential recall would add another experienced centre-forward to the competition for Germany’s number-nine role. For Undav, that could make the path back into the squad more difficult, particularly if the Bremen forward continues to convert chances at a higher rate. In international football, where teams often have limited training time before a match, coaches may favour forwards whose current form and established role fit the tactical plan they want to use.
Other players are also in the conversation. Jonathan Burkardt, who featured in the previous Germany squad, has reason to hope he will retain his place. Eintracht Frankfurt forward Younes Ebnoutalib may also be under consideration, while Kai Havertz of Arsenal is widely expected to remain a key part of the attacking group. Nick Woltemade, now with Juventus, appears to face a more difficult route into the selection this time.
Germany’s Upcoming Nations League Fixtures
Germany are scheduled to face Serbia in Belgrade on 13 November, with kick-off set for 20:45, before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin on 16 November at the same time. The two fixtures offer Klopp an opportunity to assess his options against opponents with different styles and to build momentum in the Nations League campaign.
The Serbia match will test Germany’s ability to manage a demanding away environment, while the Netherlands encounter is likely to draw particular attention because of the rivalry between the neighbouring nations. Both games could also shape the coach’s thinking about attacking combinations, especially if he is weighing a more traditional striker against forwards who contribute through movement and creativity.
For supporters following Germany’s selection debate, the squad announcement is likely to be just as compelling as the fixtures themselves. Klopp is expected to name a group of around 23 players on 5 November. That relatively compact squad size will make every place valuable, increasing the pressure on forwards who are competing for a limited number of attacking positions.
What the Squad Prediction Means for Undav
Any prediction about Germany’s final squad remains uncertain until Klopp makes his announcement. Havertz looks well placed to feature, while Burkardt and Füllkrug are among the forwards attracting attention. Undav’s seven goal involvements provide a credible case based on his broader contribution, but his own comments indicate that he is not counting on a call-up at this stage.
That does not necessarily close the door on his international future. A productive spell with Stuttgart could quickly change the conversation, particularly if Undav turns his assists and attacking involvement into a steadier run of goals. Club form remains one of the clearest ways for a player to influence a national team coach, and the weeks after the squad announcement may give the striker another chance to strengthen his position.
For now, the focus is on Stuttgart’s response after the loss in Istanbul and on the competition unfolding across German football. Undav’s candid assessment reflects the reality of elite football: strong all-round performances matter, but forwards are often judged by the moments that end in the net. Whether Klopp sees enough in the Stuttgart captain’s wider contribution will become clear when Germany’s Nations League squad is announced.
