Whether you talk of Hoffenheim, Borussia Monchengladbach, VFB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt or any other Bundesliga club, every single one of them has a host of exciting young players in their ranks. And making a name for oneself in such an environment is never at all easy for a youngster, who has to push himself continuously to perform better than the others. And if there’s someone who’s succeeding in doing just that, then it Eintracht Frankfurt’s Marc Stendera.
The young German currently ages 19 and is one of Bundesliga’s most prized and blessed assets right now. And we run the rule over this Eintracht Frankfurt starlet, who is slowly climbing the heights under Armin Veh. Stendera’s footballing journey began when he was 13 years of age, he joined his current club from a minor sports club- OSC Velimar. Rising through the ranks at the Frankfurt-based football club, Stendera broke through the youth system in the year 2012 and was handed a debut against Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 season.
Marc Stendera
Stendera made 6 appearances that season, but next season his outings were rather limited. He could only muster 4 appearances as a cruciate ligament rupture derailed his rise in the 2013-14 season as Frankfurt participated in the Europa League and ended up finishing 13th that season. It was the 2014-15 that allowed Stendera to get back on track and become a first-team regular, which he did become and made 26 appearances for the CommerzBank Arena based side.
As far as this season is concerned, Stendera has among Ven’s most effective players. He has appeared 9 times and has scored twice, and has been defensively sound too- making 2.8 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game. He’s 173 centimetres tall, but he’s got a slightly bulky and a healthy body frame and isn’t too wiry or lean. He weighs 73 kilograms and has the perfect physique for being a complete central midfield player.
Strengths
Stendera can be considered slightly more attack minded than defensive minded and often acts as a primary source of keeping Frankfurt ticking. Although, he likes to maraud up the pitch more often than tracking back, but he’s efficient in both aspects of the play.
Marc Stendera
He’s blessed with a quick pair of feet and a good aura of awareness, vision and craft. His awareness allows him to find teammates from a long way out, which is clarified by the stats that say that he’s attempted 2.4 long balls every game. And awareness allows him to dribble away from crowded areas, in areas where he’s surrounded by 2 or more defenders, but despite that, he dribbles the ball out of danger quite impressively.
Marc Stendera is a right-footed player, but he happens to be ambidextrous and shoots equally well with either of his foot, using the right one for passing the ball and rotating play.
Marc Stendera’s defensive work rate is an asset and a valuable contribution for any team. He’s always keen on dropping deep and cutting out his defensive duties by making tackles, winning the ball back and circulating it forward or running with it. His defensive statistics has been mentioned earlier and the 19-year-old seems to be a midfielder in the mould of Arturo Vidal, someone who’s a workhorse, although with some work to be done.
Weaknesses
Stendera happens to Frankfurt’s first choice free kick taker, both long and short. And here’s when accuracy comes in- there’s a dearth in finding players from long free kicks and finding the back of the net from closer distances. The line between accuracy and inaccuracy is a bit too big and that needs to shorten up a bit.
Secondly, Stendera’s passing accuracy needs a bit of an improvement. It stands at 75.5 percent, which is in clear need of a bump if you’re a central midfield player, who lays more emphasis on attack.
Final Verdict
As mentioned earlier, Stendera is a player who resembles someone like Arturo Vidal or a younger form of Bastian Schweinsteiger after he transformed himself into a central midfielder from a left winger. He’s just 19 and in the modern day world, there’s a demand for players who are adept in both attack and defense, as the counter-attacking style of football increases in prominence time after time.
Marc Stendera
He’s been a recognizable figure at the junior levels for Germany and has represented the nation at levels ranging from Under 13 to Under 19. At the age of 18, he helped Germany secure the Under 19 EURO title last year in Hungary.
The future certainly looks bright. Frankfurt are outsiders for Europa League qualification, but he’s someone who, along with the likes of former Twente man Luc Castaignos, Alex Meier and Swiss star Haris Seferovic, can guide them to it. Being the youngest of the lot, there’s a burden on him and there’s a possibility of doing so under someone like Armin Veh too. If he is to excel, this is the perfect season for him.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”