Wolfsburg’s Kevin Paredes has come closer to his Olympic dream – in the new season he wants to take the next step in his development at VfL.
Development step: Kevin Paredes played in 28 league games for VfL Wolfsburg. picture alliance/dpa
His personal end to the season was brilliant. Kevin Paredes scored his third goal of the season in Wolfsburg’s 1:3 loss to Mainz 05, which he celebrated with a spectacular backflip. No big deal for him, what’s learned is learned. “But this is the first time I’ve done it as a professional.” It was the end of a season that he views with nuance. “It was nice to have received more trust from the coaches, but I could have shown more. I know that I can give the team a lot more.”
Paredes, it must be remembered, is only 21 years old. Still very young. On the other hand, when the US boy moved to Wolfsburg from DC United in the MLS in January 2022 as an 18-year-old, he also cost around seven million euros. A lot of money for a talent who was scrawny and had to get used to Germany, the league, and VfL. His playing time has been increasing steadily since then; last season he was on the field in 28 league games, 15 of them in the starting eleven.
Three goals, three times from the five-meter box
“Even if I wasn’t completely satisfied with myself, it was still a step forward,” Paredes is convinced. The left-footer scored three goals, which he also felt was too few, but they are still his personal best. Also noteworthy: Paredes scored all of his goals from the five-meter box. If you exclude standard situations, only VfL striker Jonas Wind scored three times in this zone.
Paredes’ plus: flexibility
Paredes demonstrates flexibility and a nose for goal. On the left wing, a big plus for the American, he can be used in any system. As a left defender in a back four, as a wing player in a back three or as an offensive winger who keeps appearing in the penalty area. Step by step he is becoming an important factor at VfL. The next step is to come in the new season. His wish: more goal involvements, a regular place. “I know,” says Paredes, “there is still a long way to go, I still have a lot to learn. But I hope next season will be much better.”
Marko Mitrovic could ensure that it will be an eventful summer for him. The head coach of the US Olympic team nominated Paredes for the provisional Olympic squad. “I hope that I’ll be there,” says the Wolfsburg player. The first step has been taken here too.
2024-05-30 12:49:40
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