“A never-ending process”

An interview with Kevin Paredes ahead of the away game at Stuttgart.

VfL signed American youngster Kevin Paredes from top-flight US outfit DC United back in January 2022. Having settled in to his new surroundings, the 1.75-metre left-sided player has been enjoying more and more game time of late. In an interview before Saturday’s trip to Stuttgart, Paredes spoke about life in Wolfsburg, his preferred position and the game against VfB.

How are you finding life so far away from home? How hard was it to move such a long way away?

Kevin Paredes: “It really was very difficult at first. I’d only just turned 18 and was living in the USA with my parents. Going out into the world for the first time at 18 was definitely difficult for the first few months, but as time went on it became clear that my fears were unfounded. I left home for good reason, after all. That knowledge continues to spur me on and motivate me to this day. Every day, I show my parents and my whole family that I’m getting on fine without them here.”

How often are you in touch with your family?

Kevin: “All the time! My parents have just been here for two weeks, which was really nice.”

Which team-mates have you found particularly supportive?

Kevin: “The whole team is great and very supportive, but Micky van de Ven – another youngster – and Maxence Lacroix have supported me the most.”

You’re left-footed and versatile, but what’s your favourite position?

Kevin: “I don’t really know yet, to be honest. I’m generally very versatile and can play in several positions, but I probably feel most comfortable in an attacking or defensive role on the left. That’s where I can best play to my strengths.”

Who are your role models in football?

Kevin: “I’ve always been a Messi fan. Looking at the latest generation of young players who play in my favourite position, I really enjoy watching Alphonso Davies, who plays the way I like to play in attack and in defence.”

How happy are you with your playing time with the Wolves so far?

Kevin: “As an 18-year-old, I first needed to get used to my new surroundings and the Bundesliga, of course. I’m learning a great deal from the team and my playing time and minutes on the pitch have continued to increase. I then scored my first goal, made my first assists and was able to show my creativity on the pitch. It’s a never-ending process.”

Up next is a trip to Stuttgart. What do you make of the Swabians?

Kevin: “In our last meeting earlier this season they were very tough opponents and a strong team, but we’re very strong ourselves. We’ll give our all – as a team and on a personal level – to produce a performance and win the game. A win would be important for us too, because we want to be playing in Europe next season.”