SC Freiburg is celebrating a perfect start to the season thanks to the young attackers Igor Matanovic, Derry Scherhant, and Yuito Suzuki. The trio has been directly involved in twelve of the team's sixteen goals across the first four competitive matches, contributing eight goals and four assists to the flawless record of four wins.
This successful run was reported by SWR. Currently, Freiburg sits second in the Bundesliga with three points from one game and a goal difference of 4:1. The next challenge awaits on September 5th away at 11th-placed SC Paderborn 07.
Who are the three young forwards?
Igor Matanovic is the 23-year-old Croatian enjoying his breakthrough season. After his move last year, he has already scored four goals in the first four matches. His confidence is palpable. "That's exactly how we want to continue," said the attacker. Sporting director Jochen Saier praised his versatility, stating, "Igor has the complete package."
The 23-year-old Derry Scherhant joined Freiburg from Hertha BSC in 2025. This season, he has contributed one goal and four assists. He struggled with patellar tendon issues in the second half of last season but now feels fit. Teammate Lucas Höler highlights his fine positioning and technique.
Yuito Suzuki, 24, completes the trio. The Japanese player, who moved directly from his homeland to Freiburg, scored three times in three appearances, nearly matching his entire previous Bundesliga season tally of four goals. Assistant coach Julian Schuster praises his immense work rate and defensive contribution above all.
How are they shaping the playing style?
The three players embody the physical and mental freshness with which Freiburg has started the season. Matanovic emphasized he feels mentally free and trusts his training. Scherhant spoke of the strong trust and support he experiences in his second year at the club. This mental strength transfers to the collective.
Their summer preparation was key. Matanovic pointed to his intensive physical work, which is now paying off. Together, they provided the decisive impetus in the DFB-Pokal and Conference League playoff matches against Fortuna Düsseldorf and FC Motherwell. Their dynamism makes the team unpredictable.
What challenges lie ahead?
Despite the dream start, SC Freiburg must consolidate this form. The injury list shows three important players currently sidelined: Florian Muslija, Philipp Osterhage, and Ritsu Yamamoto. Their return will further strengthen the squad's depth. The team must now prove it can maintain these high standards over a longer period.
Attention turns to the away game in Paderborn. Another win would solidify their strong position in the table and confirm the positive trend. All current league standings and statistics can be viewed on our standings page. Detailed squad planning for the coming weeks can be followed on the squad overview.
What comes after Paderborn?
After the match against Paderborn, a phase with further Bundesliga and European fixtures follows. The consistency of the offensive unit around Matanovic, Scherhant, and Suzuki will be central to this. They have established themselves as the face of the strong start and carry significant responsibility.
Their development will also remain interesting for their national teams. Matanovic is already a Croatian international; further call-ups could follow for Suzuki and Scherhant if they maintain their performances consistently. Their next opportunity to do so is on September 5, 2026, in Paderborn.
