By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Deniz Undav and Serhou Guirassy are propelling VfB Stuttgart through the German national league.
Having escaped relegation in the previous season, the Germany-born Turkish-rooted Undav and the French-born Guinean-rooted Guirassy have transformed the 2007 German champion into this season's surprise team in the national league.
The duo has accumulated 19 scorer points for the French-Guinean and ten for the German-Turkish striker, making the Stuttgart duo the second-best striker-duo in the European top leagues.
Only Bayern's Harry Kane (23) and German international Leroy Sane (15) have scored more than the Swabian forwards, despite both scoring when VfB defeated Werder Bremen 2-0 in the recent league encounter, securing the side's third position.
A total of 24 of the 33 Stuttgart goals have come from the rising stars, resulting in a rate of 76 percent of goal participations.
"It's like we had been waiting for each other and we get along perfectly; a friendship developed after we are happy for each other when we score," Undav said.
For the first time, the duo was featured in the starting 11 together after Brighton and Hove Albion on-loan Undav had been the substitute to replace Guirassy when the French needed a break.
Meanwhile, both have stepped into the limelight of international attention.
Guirassy is attracting interest from several Premier League sides such as Manchester United. Rumors have intensified when the attacker's exit clause, reportedly around 20 million euros, was revealed.
Undav is being considered for the German and the Turkish national team. "One day I might have to make a decision, but for now, I am happy to be part of a team enjoying the moment," the 27-year-old Undav stated after hugging Guirassy after the final whistle this Saturday evening.
Having invested a reported 700,000 euros for Undav appears to be paying off, after media discussed a buying option for Stuttgart at the end of the current season.
Guirassy is proving valuable after Stuttgart paid a reported nine million to Stade Rennes, signing a contract until 2026 including an exit clause for summer 2024.
"Both live a true team spirit which delivers an example of what is possible when team spirit is around," Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness said.
While the son of former Bayern striker Dieter Hoeness is reaping the benefits of his strikers' success, sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth is fielding a flood of questions.
While media reports mention the intense interest of European top sides, the Stuttgart official denies receiving inquiries from the Premier League.
The queue of clubs interested in Guirassy might grow when the French and Guinean passport holder participates in the 2024 African Cup of Nations in January and February, with Stuttgart having to manage the absence of its most successful striker for several weeks.
Concerns in Stuttgart have been mitigated after Undav scored eight goals in ten games, often in games Guirassy wasn't around due to internationals.
"They are a force together, but we have witnessed what is possible to at least have one of them around," Wohlgemuth said. ■
