STUTTGART, Germany - It is safe to say that Stuttgart has improved drastically from where they were last season. They have gone from 16th place and having to play in relegation playoffs to being able to qualify for the UEFA Champions League (granted, it is still early for them to be thinking about that, though). 

The numbers also illustrate how impressive Stuttgart has been playing so far this season:

• 34 goals scored in the Bundesliga, which is tied for the third most in the league 

• +18 goal differential, which is the fourth best in the league

• Average of 2.21 points per match, which is the third best in the Bundesliga

This begs the question of how Stuttgart have been able to have such a drastic turnaround, of which there are many factors. 

One of the first factors that comes to mind is recruitment. Stuttgart made a number of signings over the summer that are paying dividends. 

Starting off between the sticks (posts), Stuttgart completed the loan signing of Bayern’s Alexander Nübel. So far this season, Nübel is currently tied for the most clean sheets in the Bundesliga (five). Nübel also has only conceded 1.14 goals per 90 minutes, which is the fourth best in the league. Although by no means the best goalkeeper in the world, Nübel has gotten the job done for Stuttgart. 

Then, in the attack, there is an obvious good signing and a less obvious good signing. The obvious one has to be Serhou Guirassy, who has scored 16 goals so far this Bundesliga season. If you’re interested in learning more about Guirassy, check out my article: The Incredible Form of Serhou Guirassy.

The less obvious good signing has to be Stuttgart’s loan signing of Brighton’s Deniz Undav. So far this season, Undav has scored eight goals and provided two assists, showing that Stuttgart is not lacking in terms of attacking prowess.

Another factor in Stuttgart’s turnaround has to be some of the other key stars that have performed this season.

The first name that comes to mind is Stuttgart’s creative outlet, Chris Führich. Führich possesses the creativity of a number ten (attacking midfielder) and the skillful dribbling of a winger. So far this season, Führich has scored four goals and provided five assists.

Then, in the backline, Waldemar Anton and Dan-Axel Zagadou have been solid. Although not standing out in terms of statistics, both have gotten the job done on several occasions for Stuttgart.

After passing tests against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart’s next test will be this weekend as they take on a Bayern Munich side that is coming off a stinging loss against Eintracht Frankfurt.