Throughout this season SC Freiburg has surprised many having an incredible Bundesliga start. Do they have what it takes to secure qualification?

Key Young Prospects

Talented Freiburg defender Robin Koch

Freiburg has a reputation for producing and developing talent. For example this season players like Luca Waldschmidt and Robin Koch. Waldschmidt a Freiburg forward had an impressive start at the beginning of the season. His incredible form won him an international call, but an injury sidelined him for an extensive period of time. However, after scoring in their last match against Hoffenheim he may yet get back to his peak. This German international could be a key part of Freiburg securing a potential qualification spot.

However, another key young figure has also been instrumental for Freiburg. Robin Koch alongside Luca Waldschmidt has been called up for international duty for Germany. The 23-year-old central defender has a footballing history with his father winning the Bundesliga title for Kaiserlautern. The past few seasons at Freiburg he has developed along well. So far this season Koch holds an impressive third in the league for aerial duels won. Freiburg defenders have left the club and performed well for their new clubs. Examples such as Germany international and Gladbach defender Mathias Ginter. Alongside Çağlar Söyüncü Turkish international and current Leicester defender who has performed well in the English Premier League.

Experienced Veterans

Christian Günter, Freiburg Captain, and left-back has been an important part of defense and offense

Alongside the young talented prospects, key veterans have been also important for Freiburg’s successful start. For example, their fullbacks Christian Gunter and Jonathan Schmid have performed well. Both fullbacks with their own specific traits have been crucial. Jonathan Schmid has performed well with his freekicks providing important goals. Christian Günter provides pace to run forward and lead the attack. Günter himself is second in the league for crosses from open play. While Dominque Heintz is a dominant center-back being important alongside Robin Koch. Striker Nils Petersen has been a proven and tested striker replacing current German international head coach Joachim Löw as top scorer. Alongside serving as a key icon in his willingness to run back and aid the defense. As well as Alexander Schwolow a capable and comfortable goalkeeper who has been crucial in reducing the number of goals that

Experienced Manager

Christian Streich, Freiburg’s manager

Christian Streich has been head coach of Freiburg for over eight years. Streich has a long history in the club having been at Freiburg since late 1988. Streich has provided successful runs for Freiburg in the past helping them secure Europa League qualification in the 2016/2017 season. Adored by his players and a strong loyalty to his club has been paid. During poor starts and seasons in which they were relegated they stuck with him and rebound back into the Bundesliga. His skillful/experienced guidance will be crucial if Freiburg will secure qualification in the Bundesliga.

Weaknesses

Freiburg has had a dip in form in this later part of the season making them drop points on the table. For example, Freiburg has done well against bigger and teams of more quality. However, against teams that they were expected to do well against they have switched off and produced poor results. Another weakness is potential injury problems that have occurred recently which may not be a larger problem, but a major reason in the dip in form. Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow suffered an injury taking him out for a couple of months alongside Luca Waldschmidt out for an extended period of time. However, SC Freiburg has the potential to get back to full throttle and secure Europa League qualification.