Nagelsmann leaves door open for Undav start after super-sub brace

Julian Nagelsmann praised Deniz Undav and commented on the striker's chances of breaking into Germany's starting lineup after Saturday's win over Côte d’Ivoire.

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was full of praise for Deniz Undav after the forward came off the bench to score a brace and lead his side to a 2-1 comeback win over Côte d’Ivoire in Saturday’s World Cup match in Toronto.

“They were two top-class goals from Deniz, he’s a pure-bred striker. He scored two great goals without thinking. He knows where the goal is,” Nagelsmann said in a post-match interview.

With his key performance in Toronto, Undav strengthened his case for a starting spot further, having now scored three goals and provided two assists off the bench in two appearances.

Nagelsmann said it's “possible” that the Stuttgart forward will move into the starting lineup after his performance against Côte d’Ivoire, but he wouldn't guarantee it, adding that the decision could “go in both directions”.

“He is fulfilling his role exceptionally well. Now the questions will start again about whether he should start. But you could also say: leave him in his flow,” Nagelsmann said.

Next up for Germany is Thursday’s game against Ecuador.