Deniz Undav excels off bench but remains a substitute for Germany

Deniz Undav has recorded three goals and two assists in just 69 minutes during the World Cup for Germany, significantly outperforming top players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in goal contributions. Despite this impressive performance, he has not secured a spot in the starting lineup as the team prepares to face Ecuador in their group stage finale. Germany has already clinched Group E and is looking to extend its winning streak to 12 matches. Coach Julian Nagelsmann stated that while Undav deserves a starting role, lineup changes will only be made due to necessity. Undav himself expressed contentment with his role off the bench as Germany transitions to the knockout stage, likely meeting either Paraguay or Australia next.

• 1:18 AMYahoo Sports — Undav has 3 goals and 2 assists off bench and still can't gain spot in Germany's starting lineup