Top transfers easing the strain of multiple fronts

The times when SC Freiburg was exclusively a development club are over. Yes, Nico Schlotterbeck did transfer to BVB this summer, but the central defender's departure was compensated by the signing of Matthias Ginter on a free transfer. An established Germany international in his footballing prime was returning to his hometown club. Times have changed in the Breisgau.

But Matthias Ginter's arrival alone does not explain a start to the season like this. The other new signings have hit the ground running too. Ritsu Doan, the second-most expensive transfer in Freiburg's history, is causing headaches for opposition defences and Michael Gregoritsch is already finding the net. The new players have scored seven of their 10 Bundesliga goals.

But in addition to the new signings, the homegrown players have played themselves into the spotlight too. Coach Christian Streich has turned numerous talented youngsters into Bundesliga pros over the years, and the next generation is coming through now. Kiliann Sildillia, for example, has got his first minutes under his belt and is now an undisputed starter on the right side of defence, having been included in the line-up in every competitive game to date. Noah Weißhaupt, Kevin Schade and Robert Wagner are other highly promising talents that have already been given their first taste of first-team action.

This blend of high-quality transfers, a core of regular players and several talented youngsters has helped the Breisgau club to begin the season phenomenally. They have made their best-ever start to a campaign, with 13 points from their first six games. October will be a busy time, with Freiburg scheduled to play nine fixtures. But this added workload should not prompt any relegation worries. Thanks to their good transfer policy, their new stadium and their veteran coach Christian Streich, Freiburg have now established themselves as a well-run top-tier club that is expected to be casting its glances upwards again this year, rather than downwards at the relegation zone.

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