Player Focus: Stuttgart Finally Realise Kostic Potential - But is it Too Late?

Some may deem a 3-2 lost at the hands of Borussia Dortmund a modest result, but the scenes that followed in a late winter night match in Swabia told another 
story.

An atmosphere of trepidation from the home fans was clear, as the final whistle drew ever close. VfB Stuttgart, now losing 3 matches on the bounce, found themselves bottom of the league with 12 matches remaining and a 5-point deficit to make up.

Although not a mammoth task, fans of the Reds may have been forgiven for starting to consider relegation a real possibility. A sudden shift in emotions saw the Mercedes Benz Arena almost transform into a wake, with some fans comforting distraught teenage defender Timo Baumgartl at the final whistle after a costly error, while others demanded a post-mortem from the more experienced players in the team.

Huub Stevens' side looked hopeless, destined to face the drop, after narrowly avoiding the same fate in the previous season. Two draws followed before a 4-0 capitulation away to Bayer Leverkusen, with summer signing Filip Kostic hauled off the pitch shortly after half-time. His half-hearted defending led to the opening goal and the 22 year-old winger had been used sparingly to that point the season, completing just 4 matches and featuring 13 times off the bench.

Kostic had commanded a fee of around €7m, proving to be one of Stuttgart's costliest transfers in the club's history. The transfer from FC Groningen was justifiable, not only was the youngster a potential investment for the future, but the 21-year-old had contributed to 18 goals in his second season at the Dutch club, helping them achieve Europa League qualification.

In a very similar scenario, the Serbian’s playing time was limited during his first season at Groningen, making just 5 sub appearances in the league. Given his chance the following season, Kostic was determined to cement his place in the first team and did so emphatically

Fast forward, and Stevens' faith in the winger has had a similar effect, igniting the youngster to become an integral part of the team. Over the duration of his last 6 starts Kostic has averaged the highest WhoScored.com rating in the Bundesliga, with a score of 8.09.

His form hasn't gone unnoticed, with former German World Cup finalist Dietmar Hamann quick to acknowledge Kostic's transformation in the Bundesliga. “Right now, I don't think there are any better wingers in the Bundesliga”. Another former international, Lothar Matthaus also heaped praised upon the winger, comparing him to Franck Ribery.

Arguably, a comparison to Arjen Robben seems more felicitous. Known for his electric pace, Kostic has the ability to drift past players at will.

Among the youngster’s favourite movies to watch pre-match are the “Fast & Furious” films, which seems particularly apt. Kostic completed 97 successful dribbles in the Eredivisie last season, with only Manchester United's big money signing Memphis Depay managing more (101), and the former has managed a similar feat this season, completing a dribble every 21.8 minutes in the league.

Robben, is critically acclaimed for his stunning finishes on his left foot and Kostic doesn't fall short in this department either. Although operating mostly on the right for Stuttgart, Kostic possesses a devastating left footed strike when within range, as exhibited over the weekend; blasting the ball from inside the box to secure a vital win against Mainz. As if those similarities were not uncanny enough, Robben also made his name at Groningen.

Kostic's two goals and four assists in his last 7 appearances have given Stuttgart more than a fighting chance of survival, a prospect that was all rather bleak a few weeks ago. Kostic's contribution to the team has been crucial. He once said, "I am a team player. I like to put my teammates in the limelight", and you'd have to be somewhat naïve to believe the statement was just a footballing cliché.

Since the turn of the year, Kostic has created 9 clear cut chances, only bettered by arguably the best player in the Bundesliga this season, Kevin de Bruyne (10), with the latter making two more appearances in that time. When excluding substitute appearances this season, Kostic has also averaged the most accurate crosses in Bundesliga, impressively picking out a teammate close to 2.7 times per match.

Questioned about his poor start in the league, Kostic discussed the physicality and pace of the Bundesliga, also calling it the best league in the world. Notably, he said the ability to defend was a key asset to be successful and it was something that he struggled with initially. Maybe former manager Armin Veh, who signed him, found this to too much of a flaw for in his game. Veh also limited the chances of key playmaker Alexandru Maxim for similar reasons earlier on in the campaign.

“Before I came to Stuttgart, I thought I wasn't able to contribute defensively, now it's different, it's important to have the ability to play offensively and defensively. By doing so Stevens has helped me to become a more complete player”. Even though Kostic managed 2.2 tackles per game last season, his ability to track back in a league that is renowned for its fast pace seemed to be exposed early on.

A crucial six-pointer awaits Stuttgart at the weekend, with a mere two points separating five teams. A win against Hamburg could see the 2007 champions jump from bottom of the league to as high as 14th.

Stevens will be hoping Kostic's rich vein of form continues, but whether his team do indeed face the drop or not, the chances are Kostic won't be around for long with interest heating up across Europe. Whether Kostic does indeed go on to emulate Arjen Robben's illustrious career may be a stretch too far for the imagination but he’s certainly on the right track if history is to repeat itself.

How impressed have you been by Kostic's recent form? Let us know in the comments below