VfB Stuttgart have endured a disappointing start to the Bundesliga season. Seven games in, and Sebastian Hoeness’ side sit 15th having collected just six points. It’s not been a great domestic campaign so far for the German giants.
However, as with any team, there has been a ray of sunshine or two. Finn Jeltsch has maintained his development as the German star continues to build upon a solid start to life at the MHPArena. Having signed from FC Nurnberg last February, the 20-year-old has gone on to become a mainstay for VfB.
Die Roten may be struggling at the wrong end of the table, but Jeltsch is doing everything right.
And his performances in Germany have caught the eye of a number of Europe’s heavyweight sides, with Liverpool among them. The Premier League giants are going to have to ready themselves for Virgil van Dijk’s eventual exit. The Dutchman’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and despite the quality of his performances, the Reds need to prepare for Van Dijk’s departure.
Liverpool centre-back requirements
It goes without saying that Liverpool will want to land a modern-day centre-back who is capable of playing the ball out from the back to help instigate attacks from defence. Liverpool build up from the back, evident in that Van Dijk ranks top for passes per 90 (72.4) for Andoni Iraola’s side. It’s a metric that summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet (58.7) places third for.
What’s more, Van Dijk and Jacquet rank first (5.1) and joint-second (4.1) for accurate long balls per 90. Iraola looks to his starting centre-backs to play the ball out from the back. This comes despite a 53.2% possession haul, that in itself the seventh most, as Liverpool look to spring forward once the centre-backs get the ball rolling. What’s evident, though, is that Liverpool need a ball-playing defender to ease Van Dijk’s eventual departure, and Jeltsch very much fits the bill.
While Stuttgart are faltering, they still boast the third highest possession average (56.9%) in the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. And despite Jeltsch’s tender years, Hoeness still places plenty of trust in the youngster to carry out the ball-playing demands to ensure VfB are able to dominate teams.
Jeltsch's distribution has caught the eye of Europe's big hitters
After all, Jeltsch makes 60.8 passes per 90, the third most for the Bundesliga outfit. So, too, does a 90.2% pass success rate. This quality in possession is one of the key reasons why Liverpool are interested in Jeltsch. What’s more, he is a versatile operator who can feasibly provide cover at both right-back and in central midfield.
Versatility key
Liverpool boss Iraola prefers to have defenders who can play a number of roles, Joe Gomez and Ronald Araujo the cases in point. Able to play in a back three, too, this would give Iraola tactical flexibility to switch up his system, both before matches and in-game. This would suit a Liverpool side that currently favours attacking down the left rather than through the middle or down the right.
Indeed, just 33% of Liverpool’s attacks come down the right flank, the third lowest such proportion. By comparison, 39% are on the left, the third highest. It’s clear which side the Reds prefer, and for good reason. Araujo is a more defensive-minded option at full-back, whereas Milos Kerkez has the license to bombard up the left.
This would enable Jeltsch to garner first-team experience, safe in the knowledge that he has cover at centre-back. And in time, he’d be able to move across into the middle to provide a long-term centre-back solution for Iraola’s side.
Of course, Liverpool wouldn’t have a free run at Jeltsch should VfB entertain his sale. Serie A champions Inter Milan are said to be interested in Jeltsch. So, too, are La Liga pair Barcelona and Real Madrid, and for good reason. The Germany U21 international's Champions League showings have caught the eye, boosting his profile in the process.
At his age, however, there are understandable shortcomings to Jeltsch’s game. A 54.8% aerial success rate in the Bundesliga doesn’t make for great reading. This weakness would be ruthlessly exposed in the Premier League, especially against more direct opposition. It's an area that can be improved upon, of course.
To his credit, Jeltsch has been dribbled past just three times across nine league and Champions League outings, with opponents faltering in their efforts to get the better of the German once he does commit to a challenge.
Given the style of play, interest in Jeltsch shouldn’t come as a surprise. He’s not the finished article by any stretch, but it’s only a matter of time before he moves on to bigger and better things.
