“It’s a shame I always have to justify myself” – Undav on his Germany World Cup chances | OneFootball

With 18 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for VfB Stuttgart this season, Deniz Undav Deniz Undav has been involved in nearly a goal per game.

Yet, much to his frustration, his place in Germany's World Cup squad is far from guaranteed.

“It’s a shame I always have to justify myself. I show it on the pitch,” Undav, who hasn’t played for Germany since June, told Sky Germany.

“I have the most goals (of all German top-flight strikers; editor’s note) and I’m second internationally in terms of goal contributions. It’s not my decision. If it were up to me, I’d be there,” he added, insisting he remains relaxed with time still left before the squad is announced.

In a recent interview with Kicker, coach Julian Nagelsmann described the centre-forward position as “a construction site we have to fix”, while also noting he knows exactly what he'd get by calling up Undav.

“I haven’t read the interview. At the end of the day, I’m a striker with good statistics. I deliver week after week and try to recommend myself that way,” Undav said.

“I haven’t had a conversation with him since the winter break. He doesn’t need to talk to me either. My arguments are on the pitch. That’s what I try to show him. As long as I keep scoring, it will be difficult to ignore me.”

In six appearances for Germany, Undav has scored three goals.