Bayer Leverkusen, TSG Hoffenheim, and SC Freiburg play in the upper half of the league. Each team faces some challenges but shows good signs.
TSG Hoffenheim is a solid team in the upper midfield this season. They sit in fourth place, one point behind Werder Bremen. Even after losing key player Ereleta Memeti to Eintracht Frankfurt, the team brought in young players like Laura Gloning and Valesca Ampoorter.
With 22 points, Hoffenheim has done better than last season. Their defense is strong. They let in only 19 goals, one of the best records in the league. Selina Cerci stands out with ten goals and four assists. She is among the top scorers.
The team recently changed coaches. They parted with Theodoros Dedes. New coach Eva-Maria Virsinger wants to help young players grow. But the future of stars like Cerci is not clear yet.
SC Freiburg ended last season in fifth place. Now they are sixth with 23 points. After losing players like goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe, they signed new ones who help right away.
Coach Nico Schneck led the team while Theresa Merk was on maternity leave. Merk is back now, but her contract ends soon. Freiburg won four of their first six games this season.
The team plays well lately. They have not lost at home in recent matches. Losing Aurélie Csillag to the WSL hurts. But Freiburg can aim for European spots if they keep getting better.
Bayer Leverkusen is seventh now. That is lower than expected after fourth place last season. They have 22 points but let in 24 goals on defense.
Leverkusen beat teams like Frankfurt and Hoffenheim. But they also lost some games they should have won. Players like Vanessa Fudalla score well. The team needs to play more steadily.
Injuries and poor defense teamwork cause problems. They got three red cards this season, so discipline is an issue. Leverkusen wants to do better in the second half to fight for a Champions League spot.
