El Khannouss shines as Stuttgart dominates Köln in Bundesliga opener

Bilal El Khannouss stepped onto the pitch for VfB Stuttgart's first home game of the Bundesliga season with a point to prove, following a tumultuous eight months. The Moroccan international rose to the occasion, delivering one of the most impressive performances of his Stuttgart career in a commanding 4-1 victory over 1. FC Köln.

With Tiago Tomás sidelined due to injury, El Khannouss was given the chance to start, and he did not disappoint. He initiated Stuttgart's first significant chance just nine minutes into the match with a brilliant cross that Josha Vagnoman somehow managed to hit against the crossbar from close range. After a couple of missed opportunities, El Khannouss took matters into his own hands in the 39th minute. Receiving a pass from Vagnoman about 30 meters from goal, he charged toward the Köln defense, deftly maneuvering past several defenders before nutmegging Luka Lochoshvili and scoring via a deflection, giving Stuttgart a well-deserved lead.

El Khannouss continued to be a pivotal figure in the match, contributing to Stuttgart's second goal shortly after the halftime break. His excellent ball control on the left flank set up a through ball for Maximilian Mittelstädt, who then assisted Grischa Prömel to extend the lead to 2-0. This goal effectively quelled any hopes of a Köln comeback.

After 77 minutes on the field, El Khannouss left the pitch with a goal and an assist to his name. His statistics were impressive: three of his five crosses found their targets, he won 56 percent of his nine duels, and reached a top speed of 34.2 km/h. These numbers underscored a performance that head coach Sebastian Hoeneß praised for its completeness, both in and out of possession.

El Khannouss's journey and its implications

The significance of this performance is amplified when considering El Khannouss's rollercoaster journey in German football. After joining Stuttgart on deadline day last summer, he made an immediate impact, scoring early in the season and quickly becoming a fan favorite. However, his momentum was disrupted by the Africa Cup of Nations, where he failed to make a mark for Morocco, leading to a challenging return to the Bundesliga.

Despite a rocky start to 2026, including limited playing time and a notable absence from the starting XI in the DFB-Pokal final, El Khannouss managed to regain his form, notably scoring twice in a Europa League match against Celtic. This resurgence was crucial as he entered the summer transfer window, where his performances attracted interest from several clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Hoeneß's post-match comments highlighted El Khannouss's importance to the team, emphasizing that his contributions went beyond just the goal. "He definitely deserves special praise," Hoeneß remarked, noting the player's overall influence on the game. "His goal was very easy on the eyes, but his role in the second goal was equally critical. He played a well-rounded game, defending responsibly and winning duels. It was a fantastic performance from Billy."

As Stuttgart looks to build on this victory, El Khannouss's performance serves as a reminder of his potential and importance to the squad. With the Bundesliga season still in its early stages, fans will be eager to see if he can maintain this level of play and continue to develop into a key player for Stuttgart.