Germany’s Deniz Undav emerging as World Cup super sub and Golden Boot contender | OneFootball

Germany forward Deniz Undav has become the World Cup’s standout super sub, moving top of the early scoring charts with two ruthless finishes added to his opening-round goal. Coming off the bench against Curaçao and the Ivory Coast, he has three goals and two assists in 56 minutes.

Germany trailed 1-0 after a tight first half against the Ivory Coast in Toronto. Julian Nagelsmann sent on three substitutes, and Nadiem Amiri’s loping cross found Undav on the run for the equaliser.

Moments later the Ivorians almost nicked it, Nicolas Pepe releasing Simon Adingra who could not convert. Three minutes into stoppage time, Felix Nmecha threaded a superb pass, Undav killed it with his right then smashed in with his left.

Hearing his song behind the goal he had just rattled, Undav said, “I had to laugh.” Asked how he keeps delivering, he added, “I have no idea… I’m in the right position… I know that I can score in every game, especially with these outstanding teammates.”

Undav’s rise has been anything but gilded, from Germany’s lower leagues to Belgium’s second tier, Brighton, then Stuttgart. The super sub label remains live, and Nagelsmann has already apologised for a blunt assessment in spring, saying, “That was stupid of me, I’m sorry,” he told Magenta TV. He has since praised Undav as a pure striker with sharp instincts, and says the staff will discuss whether his impact role should continue.

Source: NY Times