Bundesliga
Maximilian Mittelstädt looks to be the answer to Germany's prayers at left-back. bundesliga.com profiles the VfB Stuttgart wide man who just keeps on improving.
Stats correct as of 6 September 2024
Age: 27 (born 18 March 1997)
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Position: Left-back
Country: Germany (nine caps/ one goal)
Key stats
Mittelstädt was still making in-roads with the first team at boyhood club Hertha Berlin, when he stated playing for Germany at either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup was "the goal". The left-sided specialist has had to bide his time, but finally got the chance to build on his 31 youth caps - the last of which fell in the 2019 UEFA U21 Euro semi-finals - after being called up for senior friendlies against France and the Netherlands in March 2024. It is fair to say Mittelstädt grasped his opportunity with both hands, starting both fixtures as Germany prevailed on each occasion, even netting a stunning strike versus Die Oranje to equalise.
Mittelstädt's inclusion Julian Nagelsmann's Euro 2024 squad was just reward for a fantastic campaign. The 5'10" wing-back featured in 30 of VfB's 33 top-flight games in 2023/24, producing two goals and four assists for a Stuttgart team that secured qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Having played in UEFA competition before with Hertha - the club where he made his Bundesliga bow, aged 19 - Stuttgart's best player in 2023/24 for crosses from open play is playing some of the best football of his career.
Given he played a key role in the last two internationals before Euro 2024, it was no surprise that he booked his spot as Germany's first-choice left-back for the tournament, where he even notched an assist against Hungary. Heading back to Stuttgart for the 2024/25 season, their opening home match was greeted with news of a contract extension for Mittelstädt until 2028, and he continued the positivity by being included in Nagelsmann's follow up squad for the Nations League.
Plays a bit like: Christian Günter
Mittelstädt is the latest in a growing line of players to get a chance at left-back for Germany. He likes to move between defence and a more attacking role, in a similar manner to senior internationals such as Union Berlin's Robin Gosens and Freiburg captain Christian Günter. The Stuttgart No.7 arguably has most in common with the latter, including a laser-guided left foot known for picking a pass from open and set plays.
Did you know?
A year after getting his hands on the 2014/15 U19 German Cup with Hertha, Mittelstädt won the prestigious Fritz Walter bronze medal - part of the group of annual awards that has been bestowed upon the best young footballers in Germany since 2005. Previous bronze medal winners include Joshua Kimmich, Marc-André ter Stegen and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Watch: Maxi Mittelstädt scored one of the top 5 goals on Matchday 20 of 2023/24
What they're saying
"Maxi's been a great signing for us. He's versatile, direct and gives us real momentum. Perhaps the national team can take advantage of that." - Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, prior to Mittelstädt's maiden call-up
"It worked well with Maxi. He always dreamed of becoming a professional and worked hard for it. He's the best example for our younger talent to follow." - Mittelstädt's former Hertha coach, Pal Dardai
"Maxi is someone who works a lot, does a lot offensively and hardly makes any mistakes defensively." - Nagelsmann upon including Mittelstädt in his Euro squad