Ex-Wolf Bas Dost recalls a spectacular meeting with Bayer 04 almost exactly 10 years ago.
Wolfsburg against Leverkusen is a fixture that often produces fireworks. Take the last meeting in Leverkusen, for example, when the hosts won 4-3. Or February 2015, when the Wolves triumphed 5-4 in a spectacular contest at the BayArena. The hero of that day was former striker Bas Dost, who netted four of the goals.
Life is quieter for the Dutchman now, after he collapsed during a league match for his last club NEC Nijmegen in October 2023. The 35-year-old, who scored 46 goals in 117 competitive appearances for the Wolves between 2012 and 2016, nevertheless agreed to a brief interview with the VfL media team.
Bas Dost, really nice to hear from you. Where do we catch you right now?
Bas Dost: “Thanks, I’m pleased too. I live in the Netherlands, to be precise in a town called Epe, in the Gelderland province.”
Just under a year and a half ago, there was a lot of concern about you in Wolfsburg and elsewhere. How have you been since then? How are you doing?
Bas: “Yes, that was a big shock for me and my family. Sadly I’m still not capable of doing sport every day again, but otherwise I’m fine.”
Will we see you on the football pitch again?
Bas: “That was a big wish of mine for a long time, but the recovery has already taken a year and a half now. I don’t yet know what will happen.”
I had a wonderful time in Wolfsburg. They were four years in which I learned and developed a lot. Winning the cup was an absolute highlight. I think back to my time with VfL extremely fondly.
Bas DostYou left VfL in 2016 and since then experienced a great deal as a player. How vivid are the memories of your Wolfsburg years still?
Bas: “I had a wonderful time in Wolfsburg. They were four years in which I learned and developed a lot. Winning the cup was an absolute highlight. I think back to my time with VfL extremely fondly.”
Do you have any idea why we contacted you now specifically?
Bas: “I’m guessing to speak about this great period back then.”
Absolutely right, but particularly because the Wolves are playing against Leverkusen this weekend. There was a very special meeting against them almost exactly 10 years ago. Do you remember?
Bas: “Of course, that was crazy! My two brothers were at the stadium for that match, which was a really rare occurrence. That made the 5-4 win even more special for me. It was an unbelievable game, I’ll never forget it. Obviously, it’s not often you score four goals.”
Leverkusen are now coming to Wolfsburg as German champions. How do you see the two teams today? What kind of game will it be?
Bas: “You have to respect the way Leverkusen have developed under Xabi Alonso. The Wolves have also shown some very good performances this season, though, so I think they have decent chances. VfL have been on the up in the Bundesliga, which has done them good. I’m certainly looking forward to this big game, which I’ll be following on TV, and wish you the best of luck.”
