Matanovic and Freiburg’s Other Standouts Fuel a Dream Start

SC Freiburg’s perfect Bundesliga start has been driven by a trio whose contributions extend beyond the scoresheet. Freiburg have won four matches, scored 16 goals and conceded four, with Igor Matanovic, Derry Scherhant and Yuito Suzuki emerging as the main faces of the run.

Matanovic has scored four times, but Freiburg value his physical presence as much as his finishing. He holds up the ball, uses his body effectively and brings teammates into attacks. Sporting executive Jochen Saier said Matanovic had "the whole package". The Croatian international credited the strong second half of last season, the summer World Cup and his greater familiarity with the club in his second year.

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the whole package

The 23-year-old said he feels trusted and believes confidence has helped his form. "When you are free in your head and do not think, then something like this happens," he said after the 4-1 win over Werder Bremen.

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When you are free in your head and do not think, then something like this happens

Scherhant has started the season with one goal and four assists. His crossing has been particularly dangerous, and teammate Lucas Höler said his "fine foot is well tuned" after the winger’s performance against Motherwell in the Conference League playoffs. Scherhant said he prepared physically over the summer with the help of two personal coaches after dealing with patellar tendon problems during the previous second half of the season.

Suzuki received a standing ovation after completing a hat-trick against Werder Bremen. The 24-year-old has already come close to matching his Bundesliga goal total from the entire previous season, giving Freiburg another attacking threat during their fast start.

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His fine foot is well tuned