Wolfsburg report card

A fifth-placed finish won Wolfsburg perhaps the Bundesliga's most overdue return to European competition having never made the continental grade since their 2009 Bundesliga championship. In a season of major transition - marked by several big-money signings, a key departure, and the emergence of a homegrown talent - the Volkswagen-fuelled club finally converted euros into points.

Key player

Unlike Kevin de Bruyne, the club's other major purchase, Luiz Gustavo had a full season with the Wolves after leaving Bayern Munich's bloated squad. The Brazilian midfielder could scarcely have started more poorly; he was sent off on his debut, served his suspension, and then saw red again on his return to the field. Since then, however, he has emerged as a reliable midfield anchor in front of Dieter Hecking's back line. It is that, his command of play and a contribution of four league goals that has seen him book his ticket to Brazil.

Left-back and penalty-taker Ricardo Rodriguez, still just 21, might feel particularly miffed by our nomination, as could either Naldo and Robin Knoche, both of whom have performed admirably at the heart of central defence.

Surprise star

Wolfsburg aren't usually famed for homegrown academy gems, but even they have contributed to the string of teenage talents rolling off the Bundesliga conveyor belt this season. Maximilian Arnold also started his season in disciplinary ignominy, with a straight red card in the first half on opening day against Hannover, but has since flourished.

The youngster had to wait almost two months for his next start, but he didn't waste it - scoring in a 2-1 win at Augsburg. A week later, he scored against Bremen, and then again in Frankfurt the week after that. Arnold finished the season with eight goals, four assists, and even a call-up to the senior Germany squad for Tuesday's friendly against Poland. The left-footed playmaker, who has a wicked long-range shot, said it was Jogi Löw's assistant Hansi Flick who rang with the good news.

"I was so excited during the conversation. My family couldn't believe it. I do intend to savor this now, but I'm fully aware that I must carry on like this."

Coach

Long lauded for sporting the Bundesliga's finest set of eyebrows, Dieter Hecking surprised many pundits with his stewardship this season. At a club with far more financial potential than former employers Nuremberg, Hecking presided over a major squad overhaul without much of a dip in performance. Even when disaster struck, like conceding 12 goals in two weeks against Hoffenheim and Bayern, Wolfsburg managed to bounce back - showing a resilience rarely associated with the club.

Defining moment: Diego's departure

Wolfsburg's best-paid, and perhaps least content, player of recent years confirmed his return to Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day in January. This, coupled with the arrival of de Bruyne, was the final step in the forging of Wolfsburg's new midfield identity. The Belgian brought more pace, attacking verve and directness to the team, while Diego's departure allowed his countryman Gustavo to take charge of the Wolves build-up play in the middle of the park.

What's next: European competition, at last. With a young squad full of rising stars (Rodriguez, Knoche, de Bruyne, Arnold and Junior Malanda are all under 22) the future looks bright if Wolfsburg can keep hold of its current crop.

Grade: A-

A strengthened and streamlined squad, their best performance in five seasons, and a return to Europe. Wolfsburg have positioned themselves in striking distance of the Bundesliga's top clubs, if this trajectory can be maintained.