As VfB Stuttgart emerges as a formidable force in the German Bundesliga, sitting proudly in 3rd place and riding high on an impressive 8-game unbeaten streak, the football world is taking notice of Sebastian Hoeneß‘s tactical mastery.
Under his guidance, Stuttgart has undergone a remarkable transformation, rising from a period of instability, including relegation woes, to reclaim its status among Germany’s elite clubs.
Now, with their sights set on the Champions League, it’s time to dissect and analyse the tactical nuances and data-driven brilliance that have propelled Stuttgart to such heights in the 2023/2024 Bundesliga season.
In this data analysis, we delve into Sebastian Hoeneß tactics, uncover his key strengths based on data and statistics, and explore how he is shaping their season’s end in style.
Sebastian Hoeneß Data Analysis
VfB Stuttgart, under the leadership of Sebastian Hoeness, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the German Bundesliga this season.
Their impressive performance sees them currently occupying the third position in the league standings, with just six rounds remaining.
A key factor behind their success lies in their balanced approach, excelling both in attack and defence.
Offensively, Stuttgart has been formidable, ranking 3rd in the league with 64 goals scored.
Their ability to generate scoring opportunities is evident in their expected goals (xGoals) tally of 60.77, the second-highest in the Bundesliga, trailing only behind league leaders Bayern Munich (64.16 xGoals).
This attacking prowess is reflected in their style of play, characterised by a high number of passes per minute of possession (16.2) and a dominant possession statistic of 59.3%.
In fact, according to expected points (52.9 xPoints), Stuttgart’s current position is justified, with the team even capable of challenging the top two, Bayern (57.4 xPoints) and Leverkusen (60.3 xPoints), who are also overperforming based on xPoints.
Stuttgart have the upper hand over their opponents overall, as evidenced by their PPDA Against, with an average of 14.79 passes before an opposing defensive move.
Stuttgart’s attack is their main strength, with many shots coming from favourable positions, demonstrating a fine chemistry.
Defensively, Stuttgart has been equally impressive, conceding just 34 goals, which places them in the top-three defensively in the league.
Despite their attacking mindset, they maintain defensive solidity, evident in their Passes Allowed Per Defensive Action (PPDA) metric of 11.14, indicating their ability to control and limit opponent’s chances.
Furthermore, their challenge intensity of 5.7, quite high compared to the league average, demonstrates their commitment and effectiveness in winning duels and regaining possession.
VfB Stuttgart’s success this season can be attributed to their well-rounded approach, combining a potent attacking threat with defensive resilience.
Under Hoeneß’s guidance, they have established themselves as genuine contenders for a Champions League spot, showcasing their prowess both on and off the ball.
Sebastian Hoeneß Squad Planning
The squad planning at VfB Stuttgart is a testament to tactical acumen and strategic vision.
Hoeneß, as head coach, carefully balances experience with youth to create a cohesive and competitive team.
Upon closer examination of the distribution of minutes within the squad, it becomes evident that Hoeneß has struck a fine balance, with no major player in the starting eleven over the age of 28.
Instead, he relies on a backbone of established players aged around 26 and 27 years, providing the perfect blend of maturity and vitality on the field.
Crucially, Hoeneß also places great emphasis on nurturing young talent, with rising stars like Millot and Stiller given significant playing time to develop and flourish.
This strategic approach ensures that the team not only performs well in the present but also lays the groundwork for sustained success in the future.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hoeneß’s squad management is his rotation structure, which allows for tactical flexibility and adaptability.
While he started the season with a 4-2-3-1 formation, he has also utilised a 4-4-2 setup against formidable opponents like Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.
More recently, he has alternated between the 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 formations, showcasing his willingness to experiment and find the most effective tactical approach for each match.
This versatility is further enhanced by the presence of versatile players within the squad, who can seamlessly transition between different positions and roles on the field.
As a result, VfB Stuttgart becomes a less predictable opponent, capable of adapting to various styles of play and exploiting the weaknesses of their adversaries.
Within these tactical systems, certain players emerge as linchpins, demonstrating their importance to the team’s success.
The Karazor-Stiller double pivot provides stability and control in midfield, while Führich’s impact on the left wing adds creativity and attacking impetus.
Additionally, Guirassy’s incredible season and Anton’s leadership at the heart of the defence, whether playing with two or three at the back, underscore their indispensable roles within the squad.
VfB Stuttgart Individual Players
Serhou Guirassy, the prolific goalscorer, has been the standout performer this season, with an impressive tally of 24 goals in just 22 league appearances.
The Guinean striker has surpassed expectations, consistently outperforming his expected goals (xGoals) of 15 (0.74 per 90).
His athleticism and clinical finishing make him a formidable force in front of goal, often delivering decisive actions that have been crucial for his team’s success.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Guirassy also possesses excellent dribbling skills and has a knack for drawing fouls, making him a well-rounded attacking threat.
Furthermore, his ability to provide key passes adds another dimension to his game, highlighting his versatility and importance to the team’s attacking strategy.
Chris Führich, a product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy, has established himself as a key player for VfB Stuttgart in his third season in the Bundesliga.
With seven goals and seven assists to his name, Führich has been a vital component of the team’s attacking arsenal, earning him a recent call-up to the German national team.
Known for his dynamism and acceleration off the ball, Führich poses a constant threat to opposition defences with his penetrating runs and dribbling ability.
While he could draw more fouls, his proficiency in delivering accurate crosses adds potency to Stuttgart’s attacking play, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Maximilian Mittelstädt, the industrious left-back, has been a revelation since joining VfB Stuttgart from Hertha Berlin last summer.
Initially starting the season on the bench, Mittelstädt’s attacking contributions and synergy with Führich convinced the coaching staff to promote him to the starting lineup.
Widely regarded as one of the best players in his position, Mittelstädt excels defensively with his well-timed interventions and anticipation.
Moreover, his precision in delivering crosses poses a constant threat to opposition defences, while his willingness to join the attack and make runs into the box adds an extra dimension to Stuttgart’s attacking play.
Like Führich, Mittelstädt’s impressive performances have earned him a call-up to the German national team, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Atakan Karazor, the towering midfielder standing at 1.91 meters, has emerged as a key figure in VfB Stuttgart’s midfield at the age of 27.
His defensive prowess and aerial dominance make him a vital component of the team’s double-pivot system.
Karazor’s ability to win aerial duels with his imposing stature and impeccable timing adds solidity to Stuttgart’s midfield, while his disciplined approach ensures that he commits minimal fouls.
While he may not be as involved in the team’s build-up play, he plays very successfully one or two-touch passes, and his role as a defensive shield provides essential cover for the backline, allowing his midfield partner to dictate play further up the field.
Angelo Stiller, the 22-year-old midfielder, has seamlessly integrated into the VfB Stuttgart squad following his arrival from Bayern Munich and Hoffenheim in a €5.5m deal.
Forming a formidable partnership with Karazor in the double pivot, Stiller excels in orchestrating attacks and breaking down opposition lines with his astute passing range and vision.
His ability to transition smoothly from defence to attack adds fluidity to Stuttgart’s midfield play.
At the same time, his composure under pressure and proficiency in delivering precise passes make him a crucial cog in the team’s tactical setup.
Enzo Millot, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder/right winger, has made a significant impact for VfB Stuttgart this season with his versatility and effectiveness in the final third.
Despite not standing out statistically, Millot’s intelligent movement off the ball and clinical finishing have seen him contribute five goals and five assists to the team’s cause.
Whether operating centrally as a number 10 or drifting wide on the right flank, Millot showcases precision in his passing and sharpness in front of goal, often making decisive contributions in crucial moments of the game.
His ability to adapt to different roles within the team highlights his versatility and value to Sebastian Hoeneß’s side.
Deniz Undav’s remarkable season cannot be overlooked, with the striker registering an impressive tally of 14 goals and seven assists for VfB Stuttgart.
Following a challenging spell at Brighton, Undav has bounced back emphatically, becoming a prolific goal scorer for his new club.
His clinical finishing and adeptness in providing assists make him a potent attacking threat.
At the same time, his resilience and determination have been instrumental in overcoming adversity and delivering consistent performances on the field.
Undav’s resurgence epitomises the collective spirit and determination within the VfB Stuttgart squad under the guidance of Sebastian Hoeneß.
Key defensive players like Waldemar Anton, Hiroki Ito, and Dan-Axel Zagadou provide solidity at the back, forming a formidable defensive unit that is difficult to break down.
Anton’s leadership qualities and defensive prowess, combined with Ito’s tenacity and Zagadou’s aerial dominance, make them integral to Stuttgart’s defensive stability.
However, VfB Stuttgart’s biggest strength lies in their collective quality rather than individual star power.
Under the astute guidance of Sebastian Hoeneß, the team has forged a cohesive unit where each player understands their role and contributes to the collective effort. While there may not be standout superstars, the squad boasts a wealth of experience and a strong team ethos that allows them to excel on the pitch.
Conclusion
The data analysis highlighted the team’s impressive offensive output, defensive solidity, and overall efficiency on the pitch.
Players like Sehrou Guirassy, Chris Führich, and Atakan Karazor have been instrumental in driving Stuttgart’s success, while the team’s tactical versatility and adaptability have allowed it to compete against the Bundesliga’s top sides, such as Bayern, Leverkusen, and Dortmund.
As the season enters its final stages, Stuttgart finds themselves in a promising position, with a realistic chance of securing a Champions League spot.
The team will need to maintain their consistency and continue performing at a high level to achieve their goals.
Sebastian Hoeness tactics as head coach has been marked by progress and improvement, and the data analysis underscores the positive impact he has had on the team.
With Hoeneß extending his contract, Stuttgart fans can look forward to an exciting future.
