the decisive 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Ireland, a move that essentially ruled Kießling out as an option for the German squad for the time being, despite his continued good form during the 2013–14 season. Style of play Kießling is a typical target man, known for his work ethic and his eye for goal. He has been praised for his evolution during his time in Leverkusen into a high quality striker, and one of the best in the Bundesliga. He has also been complimented for his ability to win aerial duels and earning free kicks. At the mid-way point of the 2012–13 season, Kießling averaged 5.6 aerial duals won per game, the most of any player in the Bundesliga. Many of Kießling's goals were from inside the penalty area and he was noted for getting plenty of goals as poacher – off deflections with his feet or head. In fact, during the 2012–13 Bundesliga season, 24 of his 25 league goals came from inside the area. Post–retirement Kießling retired after the 2017–18 season. He will take up work in the administrative sector of Bayer Leverkusen after the end of his career. In December 2018, Kießling admitted that his wife completed some of his summer training sessions for him. Career statistics Club International Honours 1. FC Nürnberg 2. Bundesliga: 2003–04 Bayer Leverkusen DFB-Pokal runner-up: 2008–09 Germany FIFA World Cup third place: 2010 Individual Bundesliga Player of the Month: August 2009 Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2009–10 Bundesliga top scorer: 2012–13 (25 goals) DFB-Pokal top scorer: 2014–15 (6 goals) kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season: 2012–13 References External links Stefan Kießling at kicker.de Leverkusen who's who 1984 births Living people People from Lichtenfels, Bavaria Sportspeople from Upper Franconia German footballers Germany international footballers Germany B international footballers Germany under-21 international footballers Germany youth international footballers Association football forwards 1. FC Nürnberg players Bayer 04 Leverkusen players Bundesliga players 2. Bundesliga players 2010 FIFA World Cup players Kicker-Torjägerkanone Award winners Footballers from Bavaria