‘Van Persie’s student’ has ultimate goal: ‘Premier League one day’
Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 10:25 PM
Wouter Burger has a clear goal in mind. The only 22-year-old midfielder wants to one day play in the Premier League. Burger therefore consciously chose last summer to exchange FC Basel for Stoke City, which plays at the second highest level in England.
“There are still a few aspects of my game that need improvement and I think that is only possible in England,” explains the ambitious Burger in conversation with Sky Sports. “This was a unique opportunity for me to play in a very strong competition in which you only become stronger, better and faster. You have to think quickly in this competition and hold your own physically.”
Burger feels at home in the Championship, but does not see it as the final destination. “I have goals and I want to play in the Premier League one day. It is therefore important that I gain experience in the Championship so that I am ultimately ready for that. With the plan that Stoke have in mind for me and how competitive this league is In any case, this seemed to me to be the best choice.”
Feyenoord
The young Burger worked at Feyenoord with Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Jaap Stam, Dick Advocaat and Arne Slot. The collaboration with Slot lasted only two months, but the coach nevertheless made a big impression on the midfielder. “That is really one of the best trainers I have had as a professional football player.”
Burger also briefly dealt with Robin van Persie at Feyenoord. “When I was between the youth academy and the first team, I always trained with the A-selection. I trained with Van Persie, among others, who always had time for me. We always watched videos together and he gave me always giving me advice or pointing out certain details.”
“Van Persie shared a lot with me and I kept it in my backpack,” Burger is still grateful. “And I can always use that. I always look up to him, but on the other hand, his advice was also worth gold.”
Burger started reasonably well at Stoke, which has now dropped far and is only four points above the relegation zone. It recently led to the dismissal of manager Alex Neil. Under the leadership of new coach Steven Schumacher, Burger wants to make a fresh start at the Potters. “We have to put the past behind us, there is nothing we can do to change that.”
2023-12-24 21:25:00
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