First Team

„Three points very important“

An interview with VfL centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw ahead of the Bochum game.

Der VfL Wolfsburg-Spieler Sebastiaan Bornauw auf dem Trainingsplatz.

Speaking ahead of VfL Wolfsburg’s home game against VfL Bochum, centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw talks about his aerial ability, the competition for places at the heart of the Wolves defence and the upcoming game against the Ruhr district side.

Sebastiaan, statistics show that you have the best aerial record of any defender in the league this season (81 per cent duel success rate). What are your other strengths, and where are your weaknesses?

Sebastiaan: “My time here at VfL has definitely allowed me to develop, but I think a defender can always improve when it comes to making not only quick, but above all correct decisions in difficult situations during games. That applies to me too. As for my strengths, I think I’m good in the air – both defensively and in attack – and I obviously enjoy one-on-ones”

You were selected as a member of the players committee at VfL at the start of this season. How much does it mean to you to be recognised in that way by your team-mates?

Sebastiaan: “Of course, it’s always an honour to be chosen by your team-mates. I was happy about that, but if I wasn’t on the players committee I’d still be Sebastiaan. I’d still do the same job and try to help every team-mate, and I’d still speak my mind.”

Der VfL Wolfsburg-Spieler Sebastiaan Bornauw jubelt nach einem Tor.

There’s a lot of competition in central defence at the club. All three of you are young players and club bosses recently suggested that you were conceding too many easy goals. How do you assess the current situation?

Sebastiaan: “To concede 19 goals in 11 games is a bit too many. The defence is obviously responsible for that, but so are the entire team. We can certainly do better. I think the competition here is definitely a positive because we can push each other to improve. The good thing is that I get on very well with both Maxence [Lacroix] and Micky [van de Ven], who are almost the same age as me. I can speak French with Maxence and Dutch with Micky. I have a very good relationship with both of them.”

You’re alternating between the starting XI and the bench at the moment. How happy are you with your personal record and performance this season?

Sebastiaan: “I started the season well but then slipped out of the starting XI. Like any player, I obviously want to be on the pitch and I’m not happy if I’m left out, but then I just try to work hard to return and help the team.”

You’re unbeaten in five games now. How important would it be to beat Bochum?

Sebastiaan: “Very important of course, but you have to say that Bochum did pretty well against league leaders Union Berlin [last Sunday]. That being said, we go into every Bundesliga game wanting to win. Whether we’re playing the league leaders or the team at the bottom, we have to compete with the same attitude and try to get the three points. Saturday won’t be any different.”