Strikers are typically evaluated based on their goal-scoring ability, and a forward who fails to find the net often diminishes their value to the team. However, one Bundesliga striker has caught the eye—even of rival coaches—despite not scoring a single goal this season.
“I’ve rarely seen anything like it against Jeff Chabot,” exclaimed VfB coach Sebastian Hoeneß following Stuttgart’s recent match against Union Berlin. “Ilic won numerous headers.” By consistently overpowering the formidable center-back (standing at 1.95 meters and weighing 95 kilograms), the robust forward played a pivotal role in Berlin earning a crucial draw.
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Once again, it wasn’t Ilic who found the back of the net to equalize for FCU. Yet he has participated in nearly every Bundesliga match for Union this season, with the exception being a minor injury that sidelined him for matchday eleven against Bayern. His lack of goals certainly isn’t due to a lack of effort.
📸 THOMAS KIENZLE – AFP or licensors
Among players in Germany’s top tier who are still goalless, Ilic boasts the highest expected goals (xG) value, sitting at 5.28. This even places him eleventh overall among successful forwards, ahead of notable strikers like Andrej Kramaric, Said El Mala, and Yan Diomandé. With 30 shots on target, he ranks in the upper third of the league.
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Another revealing statistic: Ilic has already registered seven assists this Bundesliga season. Only Michael Olise (13) and Luis Diaz (9) have more to their name. However, he flies under the radar compared to players who display flashy dribbling skills like Bayern’s stars. While Ilic may not always attract attention, he commands respect through his aerial prowess, particularly from his coach, Steffen Baumgart.
“In my opinion, Andrej is our most important striker,” Baumgart stated during a media session in October 2025. This sentiment remains valid, as he reaffirmed his trust in Ilic just two weeks ago after a 2-2 draw against Mainz, even after Ilic missed a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The striker’s overall contribution was “so impressive that it’s not worth making a tragedy out of it.”
How does a striker persist without goals while remaining a vital part of the attack? Baumgart suggested, “He provides value in crucial moments that may not be immediately visible.”
We don’t need an in-depth video analysis to understand how the pragmatic football of the Köpenickers operates. Instead, numbers provide clarity. Baumgart’s tactics often rely on winning high and second balls, an area where Ilic excels—evidently outmatching even towering defenders like Jeff Chabot.
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According to ‘Opta,’ no other striker in the Bundesliga has won more aerial duels than Ilic, who leads with 68, and he has also engaged in the most aerial contests (181). His commitment extends to defensive duties as well.
In a rare interview with Union’s club media last spring, Ilic discussed his role on the team, stating he always aspires to contribute. While strikers are typically expected to say they aim to score goals, Ilic emphasized his commitment to winning back possession in the defensive half: “I try to win the ball and jump as often as possible.” This type of mindset is music to coaches’ ears, allowing them to overlook an occasional goal drought.
However, the time has come for the full-time striker to back up his coach’s faith with some goals. Fortunately, confidence shouldn’t be an issue for Ilic and his teammates as they prepare to host Borussia Dortmund at the Stadion An der alten Försterei, where BVB has historically struggled. Since Union’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 2019, they have triumphed in four out of six home encounters—and as history shows, Ilic knows how to come out on top.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
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