“Team spirit a vital component for success”

“Between Christmas and New Year there’s time to reflect on everything that’s happened. Just a few days ago, I spoke to my fiancée about how surreal 2024 has been with VfB. A stunning second half of the season, finishing as runners-up, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup again. In addition, I got to make my debut for Germany as well as play in the European Championship in the summer. I’m aware that those things are high points in the life of an athlete which I should enjoy - and which at the same time should drive me to remain successful.

“After all, 2024 began modestly from a sporting point of view. We lost at Mönchengladbach and at Bochum. We were missing a number of players because of the Africa and Asia Cups, plus a few injuries. Eventually we won an important match against Leipzig and then didn’t lose a single Bundesliga match in February or March. Our team spirit was and is definitely a vital component for the success.”

Left-back with consistency and attacking drive

“I quickly felt that I was coming into the year with good form. It helped me massively that I was able to play at my original position of left-back over weeks and months. That helped me to take my performances to the next level. I even became a finisher in February, with two Bundesliga goals in succession. My goal to complete the 3-1 win at Freiburg remains a particularly special moment – it was my first in a VfB shirt.”

Part of Germany squad for every international in 2024

“Julian Nagelsmann called me. The coach told me that he was basically watching me and I should just keep performing. It was a great endorsement – for us as a team and for my development as a left-back. In March, he selected me for the first international break of the year. I made my debut for Germany in the 2-0 win in France on 23 March and played the full 90 minutes – an indescribable feeling. My performances with VfB helped me to make this jump. Since then, I’ve been part of the squad for every international match. I want to build on that in 2025. What’s even nicer is that I didn’t experience all of this alone, but together with many team-mates from VfB.

“From our current team, Alex Nübel, Deniz Undav, Chris Führich, Angelo Stiller and Jamie Leweling also played for Germany in 2024. At times, VfB made up the biggest contingent in the national team. Other team-mates have also broken into their respective national teams, which is amazing and highlights the progress of the whole club. And of course, we want to enjoy many more wonderful moments with our fans in the near future. That's why it's worth working day in, day out in training.”