Kevin Stöger's stunning free-kick revival secures his spot at Gladbach
Kevin Stöger has rediscovered his form at Borussia Mönchengladbach after a difficult start to the season. The midfielder, who wears the number 7 shirt, marked his 200th Bundesliga appearance with a stunning free-kick goal against FC St. Pauli. His recent performances have secured his place in the squad, with no signs of decline in his contributions.
Stöger's season began poorly, with sluggish displays and wayward passes raising doubts about his future. Rumours of a winter transfer circulated, but he fought back to reclaim his starting spot. His turnaround reached a high point in a 2–0 victory over FC St. Pauli, where he scored his first goal of the campaign—a breathtaking free kick.
The strike, described as 'absolutely beautiful' by St. Pauli coach Alexander Blessin, was Stöger's first direct free-kick goal for Gladbach since Lars Stindl's effort against Eintracht Frankfurt in December 2020. Despite struggling in practice sessions, he had been refining his technique with assistant coach Guido Streichsbier. The goal also earned him the nickname 'Kunstschütze' (set-piece specialist), reinforcing his reputation as an offensive threat. Stöger credited his improvement to a simple change: stepping away from social media and focusing solely on football. His determination impressed Gladbach's sporting director, Rouven Schröder, who praised his work ethic and resilience, stating that Stöger proves 'it's never over'. Since then, he has remained a regular in the team, featuring in match previews for games against Freiburg and Union Berlin.
Stöger's free-kick goal and consistent performances have silenced early-season criticism. He continues to play a key role in Gladbach's midfield, with his set-piece ability adding a valuable dimension to the team. The club now looks to him as a reliable presence for the remainder of the campaign.
