With his appearance in the home match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Jan Bürger not only added his name to VfL Wolfsburg’s list of debutants but also attracted attention across the Bundesliga. In order to place greater emphasis on youth development, the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) has launched a new initiative this season to honour the “Local Player” debutants of each club. Bürger is one of them.
A TOPPS card for the old childhood bedroom
As part of the new initiative, Bürger was presented with a personalised TOPPS card last Tuesday. He is one of 16 debutants honoured by the DFL. When asked where he would hang it, he did not yet have a clear answer at the presentation:
“In my small attic flat, I already have my debut shirt and the shirt from the day I was named in the squad for the first time. My parents have the shirt from the Union match, where I played for a longer period for the first time,” the debutant explained. “But there should still be room for this beautiful card in my old childhood bedroom.”
“It’s a wonderful thing when young players who have been developed over many years in the academy make their professional debut” emphasised Akademie-Director Michael Gentner. “It’s a great milestone for the entire club and, of course, for Jan himself. We’re very pleased that this is being recognised and appreciated by the DFL.”
A Jan Bürger from VfL
Sporting Director Pirmin Schwegler said: “It’s always great when players from our own ranks let their performances do the talking on the pitch and are rewarded with appearances and minutes. That’s the Wolfsburg way – and we’re very proud of it.”
With his first Bundesliga appearances still fresh in his mind, the TOPPS card feels particularly special to Jan Bürger: “That’s really cool – especially when you used to collect cards yourself of a player like Kevin De Bruyne at VfL.” He adds with a smile: “Now I’ve got a Jan Bürger from VfL.”
