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VfB Stuttgart’s DFB Cup final against FC Bayern Munich (0:3) was probably keeper Alexander Nübel’s last appearance for the Swabians. It’s good that our time together is now ending, says SWR sports editor Johann Schicklinski.
I can still remember the summer of 2011 well. At that time, VfB Stuttgart had a young keeper in the box, 23-year-old Sven Ulreich, who did a decent or good job for the most part. But the Swabians had a top youngster in their ranks with 19-year-old Bernd Leno, who had already made his debut in the 3rd league at the age of 17 and shone there quite a lot. Together with Marc-André ter Stegen, his big competitor in the U-national teams, Leno was considered absolutely outstanding early on, even a “generational talent”.
Bruno Labbadia relies on Sven Ulreich – Leverkusen snaps
The young Leno shuffled with his hooves and put pressure on Ulreich, but the then VfB coach Bruno Labbadia relied on the slightly more experienced keeper. However, Leno’s abilities were no secret in the industry – and so Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured the services of the Bietigheim-Bissinger native after the injury to goalkeeper René Adler in August 2011. Initially on loan, the Werkself signed Leno – who had made a huge impact in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League – in January 2012 for almost eight million euros. Probably also because VfB Stuttgart, which was notoriously cash-strapped at the time, needed money.
The Swabians currently have another chance to install an outstanding talent, for whom experts have been predicting a great future for years, as number one. Dennis Seimen, who is on loan to SC Paderborn in the 2nd league in the current season, is supposed to replace Alexander Nübel at VfB. As of now, the regular goalkeeper for the last three years has to return to FC Bayern in the summer. the DFB Cup final against Munich (0:3) was most likely his last match for coach Sebastian Hoeneß’s team.
After the lost final, the coach himself spoke of Nübel in the past tense, calling him a “player I really enjoyed working with. He is a great goalkeeper and person.”
Alexander Nübel is a face of VfB’s recent success
I see it the same way. Nübel has made great contributions to VfB Stuttgart over the past three years. For me he is a face of recovery. Runner-up in 2024, DFB Cup victory in 2025 and Champions League qualification in 2026 are inextricably linked to the 29-year-old, who was also an important factor for the dressing room with his balanced and calm demeanor.
There are voices around the traditional club in Bad Cannstatt who hope that Nübel will still be able to sign on. Because the national player at FC Bayern has no prospects after Manuel Neuer’s extension and Jonas Urbig’s strong development. But to everyone who dreams of it and would like to rely on routine in the VfB goal, I reply: That would be completely the wrong decision! Don’t block the way again for the time being for someone who is more than ready, please!
Dennis Seimen with top performances for Paderborn
With Seimen, VfB already has the man for the future under a long-term contract until 2029. He proved his class in the 3rd league, delivered in the 2nd league and most recently he was “Man of the Match” in the relegation first leg between VfL Wolfsburg and Paderborn (0-0). Seimen is ready for the next step. Not just for the Bundesliga, also for the premier class. I am convinced that he will swim free just as quickly as Leno did at Bayer Leverkusen.
Outstanding Youth work of VfB Stuttgart
And another aspect speaks in favor of Seimen in my opinion: Despite all the successes, the fans of VfB Stuttgart are literally hungry for homegrown players in the squad. Youngsters getting playing time or, better yet, taking on supporting roles. This has been lacking in recent years. It is perhaps the only criticism one can find in this period.
If you look at the results of this season alone – the U23s confidently kept their place in the 3rd league, the U19s won the DFB Cup, the U17s became German champions – it becomes clear: there is no shortage of top talent in Bad Cannstatt. You just have to get the opportunities. And Seimen is perhaps the greatest gem of all.
Florian Hellstern is in the starting blocks
That’s why those responsible should now unconditionally rely on Seimen – and not repeat mistakes from the past. And with Florian Hellstern, the next super talent is already in the starting blocks. The 18-year-old was one of the best keepers of the last third division season and has long been on the list of many clubs. Hellstern recently committed to VfB, extended his contract, should now be loaned out and prove himself somewhere else at the second division level – at least. History could soon repeat itself in Stuttgart – but that is currently still a thing of the future.
