Damar hopes Wolfsburg form fuels Germany U21 comeback

At Wolfsburg, Muhammed Damar has started ten of the club’s first eleven league matches under head coach Tobias Strobl.

He has been recalled to the Germany U21 football squad after almost a year away.

International recall and optimism

Speaking at Tuesday’s DFB U21 press conference, German Football News attended remotely, Damar expressed his delight at rejoining Antonio Di Salvo’s squad ahead of the upcoming internationals against Belgium and Croatia.

He praised the warm welcome from his teammates and the continued support of Di Salvo throughout his absence.

Career path and setbacks

His resurgence at VfL Wolfsburg has provided the foundation for his German international comeback.

Four goals and one assist in his last six league appearances have helped restore his reputation after a difficult year at Hoffenheim.

His career has already taken several turns, from an Elversberg breakthrough to frustration at Hoffenheim.

The Berlin native joined Hoffenheim from Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth setup in 2022.

After an unsuccessful loan at Hannover 96, he announced himself during the 2024/25 campaign at SV Elversberg.

He scored nine goals in 31 league appearances for the Saarland club, helping them reach the Bundesliga promotion play‑off.

His performances attracted attention from top‑flight clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.

Hoffenheim responded by extending his contract until 2029, viewing him as a potential successor to Bayern Munich‑bound midfielder Tom Bischof.

The anticipated breakthrough in Sinsheim never materialised.

During the most recent summer transfer window, GGFN noted that Damar struggled to establish himself amid fierce competition in Hoffenheim’s attacking ranks.

Andrej Kramaric and Bazoumana Touré blocked his path, leaving him with only two starts in 15 Bundesliga appearances last season.

For a player whose development had accelerated at Elversberg, the lack of regular football represented a considerable setback.

Damar eventually opted for another opportunity in the 2 Bundesliga.

Relegated Wolfsburg secured his services in July, signing him to a contract through 2031.

The decision has already begun paying dividends.

Primarily operating in an advanced midfield role, Damar has also featured centrally when required.

The regular minutes have allowed him to rediscover the attacking qualities that made him an intriguing prospect at Elversberg.

He failed to register a goal or assist in Wolfsburg’s opening five league fixtures, but his fortunes began changing in September.

His first breakthrough came in Wolfsburg’s 5‑1 victory over Darmstadt on 18 September.

He converted a Joakim Mæhle assist in the 67th minute to put his team 4‑1 ahead.

The goal marked the start of a productive run that continued into October.

In the 4‑4 draw with Nürnberg on 10 October, Damar doubled his team’s advantage with a long‑range effort in the 29th minute.

He attempted five shots, three of which were on target.

A week later, he contributed decisively in Wolfsburg’s 3‑1 win over Heidenheim.

With the score at 2‑1, he latched onto a Fabian Reese lay‑off and his deflected effort found the net in the 65th minute.

He recorded six shots, four on target, in that encounter.

Covering 12 kilometres, more than any other Wolfsburg player, he earned the club’s Player of the Match award from supporters.

His recent performances have not been limited to scoring.

In the 1‑1 draw at Bochum on 23 October, he provided the assist for Reese’s opening goal, switching play from the right half‑space to the left side of the penalty area.

Reese finished the chance with an impressive volley.

Five days later, he supplied another assist in the DFB‑Pokal against SC Freiburg.

His sharply delivered 43rd‑minute corner found Kento Shiogai at the near post, allowing the Japanese international to head Wolfsburg into a 2‑1 lead.

The performance earned Damar a rating of six in GGFN’s match assessment, although Freiburg eventually prevailed 3‑2 after two late Keisuke Goto goals.

He returned to the scoresheet in Wolfsburg’s subsequent 2‑0 league victory over Osnabrück, combining effectively with Reese to meet a cut‑back.