Rising Hoffenheim talent Wouter Burger (25) speaks on lessons learned at Stoke and developing under Arne Slot | OneFootball

In an interview with club magazine Spielfeld, Hoffenheim midfielder Wouter Burger has spoken on developing under current Liverpool head coach Arne Slot. The newly-turned 25-year-old continues to thrive with his new Bundesliga club. Thanks to four league goals and eight assists this season, the former Stoke City professional has doubled his estimated market value from €4.5m to €9m in the last six months. 

Burger also commented on his time in the English Championship and the Swiss top flight in the interview. Overall, the former Netherlands U21 international declared himself fully content to have finally found a home in Germany. Brought in as a direct replacement for the departed Anton Stach this past summer, Burger has unquestionably exceeded the specific expectations placed upon him.

Wouter Burger on his time in the EFL Championship

“Many young players make important progress in the Championship,” Burger noted. “I wanted to make my game more intense, more physical, and stronger defensively in order to become a more complete player. It ultimately paid off as I was able to prove myself ready for a top five league.

“The level here [in the Bundesliga] is obviously higher,” Burger continued. “Everything is even faster. I came to Hoffenheim to take my game to the next level. We have the opportunity to secure Champions League football. We have excellent motivation as a team and hope to achieve great things.“

Burger on his current tactical role

“I really enjoy the freedom of the box-to-box role,” Burger said of his current position ahead of former FC Basel teammate Leon Avdullahu. “That was always my favorite position as a young footballer. [The way head coach Christian Ilzer has us set up] makes us very difficult to predict.“

Burger on transfer rumors linking him with the Premier League

“One never knows in football,” Burger said of a potential return to the Isle. “Football is football and one can’t guarantee anything. My [German] girlfriend and I are nevertheless happy to be here in Germany. We bought a very nice apartment and have no immediate plans to leave.“

Burger speaks on working under Slot at Feyenoord

“I always found the way he was able to explain things and shift the mood within the team to be very impressive,” Burger said of his former mentor. “I did leave Holland because they [Feyenoord] wanted to try me out as a centre-back and I didn’t see myself in that position. It was time to leave my comfort zone.“

GGFN | Peter Weis