Banzu sets his sights on a starting spot | OneFootball

Ezechiel Banzuzi won the ball well, drove towards the penalty area and produced a clinical finish. His goal in the 4-0 friendly victory over SC Verl offered a glimpse of what he hopes to deliver in his second season with the Red Bulls.

More minutes. More starts. A bigger influence on Leipzig’s play.

The 21-year-old was understandably pleased after scoring RBL’s third goal of the game. Banzu and his teammates will now look to take the confidence from that promising performance into their training camp in Saalfelden.

A goal that leaves him wanting more

The win over Verl was another positive sign for Ezechiel ahead of the new season. The Red Bulls had come through a demanding week of training, and the improvements were already visible on the pitch.

“There was already plenty of intensity and energy in our play,” said the Dutchman after the match, which was played over two 60-minute periods.

Banzu brought exactly that after coming off the bench. Playing in central midfield, he won challenges, often drove forward and capped his performance with a goal.

The 1.91-m-tall midfielder combines his physical presence with composure in possession, awareness of his surroundings and an ability to find space. He can halt an opposition attack before carrying the ball forward at pace. He is now hoping to show those qualities even more regularly under head coach Martín Demichelis.

From regular substitute to regular starter

Banzu’s first season in Leipzig was, above all, a valuable learning experience. He made 32 competitive appearances in total, scoring twice and providing one assist.

He came off the bench 22 times in the Bundesliga, making him one of the league’s most frequently used substitutes. Banzu was ready whenever the team needed fresh legs, strength in the challenge and renewed energy.

Ezechiel now wants to take the next step in his development. He would like his brief appearances off the bench to become longer spells on the pitch and hopes to earn more starts rather than being used primarily as an impact substitute.

He is now fully familiar with the club, his teammates and the demands of Bundesliga football. The settling-in period is over. “I’m going into my second year and I know what to expect,” he said confidently.

A fresh opportunity in the Leipzig midfield

Xaver Schlager’s departure has opened up fresh opportunities in central midfield. Competition for places remains fierce, but Banzu sees that as his chance.

“I think everyone has an opportunity to start, but you have to show in training and in matches that you deserve to be in the lineup,” he stressed.

Banzu has already shown on several occasions what he can offer: pace, dynamism, strong tackles, physicality and the ability to launch quick counterattacks after regaining possession. The Netherlands U21 international also displays remarkable composure on the ball.

Under Micho, he now wants to sharpen every aspect of his game by making quicker decisions, continuing to improve in possession and using his physicality more consistently. His goal against Verl should provide another boost to his confidence.

Working and growing together

The training camp in Saalfelden marks the next important stage of pre-season. Banzu is looking to work hard and show every day that he deserves further opportunities.

The trip to Austria will not be all about demanding training sessions, however. The Red Bulls want to grow even closer as a team. “Away from training, we want to do things together as a group as well. We want to stay focused and work hard but also enjoy ourselves,” said Banzu.

Whether it is table tennis or a game of eight-ball, every battle will be fiercely contested both on and off the pitch. Banzu’s main objective over the coming days, however, is to put himself firmly in contention for a place in the Leipzig starting eleven.

He already has his first goal of pre-season.

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