Dan-Axel Zagadou (1999) is quietly doing a fantastic job in Stuttgart’s back line so far this season

Dan-Axel Zagadou (1999) is quietly doing a fantastic job in Stuttgart’s back line so far this season.

His outstanding strength in duels – both on the ground and especially aerially – has enabled Stuttgart to play a much more expansive style of football without being exposed at the back in transition. The ex-Dortmund defender’s incredibly high duel ratings are a testament to that fact.

Zagadou’s off-ball awareness – or lack thereof – came under a lot of criticism from the Schwarzgelben faithful, but he has not made too many such mistakes under Sebastian Hoeneß at Stuttgart so far. If he can continue to offer such defensive solidity throughout the season, VfB could well have a shot at contending for a top-four spot.

By Neel Shelat