Line Up:

4-2-3-1. We have Merle Frohms in the goal. For defenders, Kathy Hendrich, Dominique Janssen, Felicitas Rauch, and Joelle Wedermeyer. In the midfield and attack, we have Lena Oberdorf, Kristin Demann, Jule Brand, Rebecka Blomqvist, Ewa Pajor, and Alexandra Popp.

Good line up. There’s great attacking and goal scoring potential in this starting eleven with Popp, Pajor, and Blomqvist. At the same time, I’m hoping to see more movement and service from Brand and the other wingers, especially since Wolfsburg is missing Svenja Huth. There’s great midfield and attacking potential off the bench as well. I’m looking forward to the rotation in the second half, especially with Endemann, Jónsdóttir, Kalma, and Hagel.

When it comes to this match against Turbine Potsdam, I wouldn’t be surprised if Wolfsburg ends up controlling and possessing for the majority of this match. I can also see Wolfsburg being on the attack for the majority of this game as well. However, they need to find that connection in the attack and in the box. They need to build their attacking chemistry again. I can almost guarantee that once the season starts and progresses, Wolfsburg will be able to find their chemistry, form, and rhythm. We’ll see them start to connect more in the attack and in the box.

First Half Notes:

VfL Wolfsburg 1-0

Blomqvist had to come off early due to injury, and was replaced with Lena Lattwein.

This has been an interesting first half. As I expected, Wolfsburg is controlling and keeping possession. There have been moments where Turbine Potsdam has been able to create some chances and put Wolfsburg in dangerous situations. However, Wolfsburg has been doing well when it comes to recovering possession in and around their box. I do think Wolfsburg needs to do better when it comes to responding to Turbine’s counterattacks and transitions. There were a few moments where the ball was able to get behind the Wolfsburg backline, and the goal and Merle Frohms were left open with a lot of space.

As for the attack and midfield, there is great movement and control in the midfield and attack, but the connection in the attack and in the box is lacking. At the same time, I’m also wondering why Pajor is playing as a left winger when she is better suited as a striker. Pajor is a player who needs to get in front of the goal. It would be more beneficial for Wolfsburg’s attack if she is played more centrally.

For the second half, I would like to see Wolfsburg up their pace, create more services, and have better connection in the attack, and in the box.

Second Half/Closing Notes:

VfL Wolfsburg wins 2-0

With great goals from Lena Oberdorf and Jule Brand, this was an overall good win and performance from VfL Wolfsburg. Wolfsburg’s midfield and attack displayed excellent movement, control, and possession. While the connection in the attack got better in the second half, it’s still an area that needs more attention and improvement, along with Wolfsburg’s connection in the box, and finishing.

I still have some reservations about Pajor playing on the left wing. In my opinion, Jónsdóttir would be a better fit for the left wing due to her exceptional speed, impressive services, and powerful throw-ins. When it comes to the team’s crosses and services, the attack needs to be more efficient with their releases and touches into the box. As the season goes on, and as the team starts getting more adjusted, I believe we’ll see Wolfsburg start to increase their pace in the attack.

As for Wolfsburg’s backline and defense, they did well for what was being thrown at them. There were definitely some moments where Turbine Potsdam was able to get behind or break through Wolfsburg’s backline, but the backline was doing a great job of reading passes, recovering possession, and shutting down Turbine’s attack. However, I still believe the team needs to react quicker when Turbine or an opposing team is in transition or launching counterattacks.

Last season, many teams were able to score on Wolfsburg by catching them off guard in transition or getting a clever through ball or long pass behind the backline. Moving forward, this is something the backline and defense needs to be aware of, especially since they like to play a high line and press with the midfield and attack. Hopefully, Wolfsburg will continue to improve their defending, and address any areas in the backline and defense, that may pose as a problem in the future

VfL Wolfsburg, as a whole, possesses immense talent and potential. As the season commences, the team’s attacking, midfield, and defensive prowess will only improve, and fans can look forward to an exciting and thrilling season. It may not be an easy run for Wolfsburg, but Tommy Stroot, Captain Alexandra Popp, and the rest of the team are up for the challenge and won’t go down without a fight.