Sebastiaan Bornauw Shines: Full Profile & Stats Review

Sebastiaan Bornauw has built a reputation as one of Belgium’s most reliable young stoppers, evolving from Anderlecht academy talent to Bundesliga mainstay. This in-depth profile maps the defender’s journey, analyses his numbers season by season and explains why scouts still see untapped potential.

Sebastiaan Bornauw Career Path

Born in Wemmel in 1999, Bornauw joined RSC Anderlecht at age nine. He rose quickly through the youth setup, making his senior debut in 2018 and logging 24 Jupiler Pro League appearances. A €6 million switch to 1. FC Köln followed in 2019, where the energetic centre-back’s aerial authority translated seamlessly. After two solid campaigns, Bundesliga rivals VfL Wolfsburg triggered a reported €13.5 million deal in July 2021, giving Sebastiaan Bornauw a platform in European competition.

Stat Breakdown by Season

Anderlecht (2018-19)

• League matches: 24
• Tackles per 90: 2.3
• Clearances per 90: 4.8
• Goals: 1

1. FC Köln (2019-21)

• Appearances: 52
• Goals: 7 – outstanding for a centre-back
• Pass accuracy: 84%
• Blocks per 90: 1.1

VfL Wolfsburg (2021-23)

• Games: 55*
• Duels won: 64%
• Headers won per 90: 3.6
• Discipline: 9 yellows, 0 reds

*All figures before the current campaign’s winter break.

Strengths That Define Sebastiaan Bornauw

Aerial Dominance

Standing 1.91 m, Sebastiaan Bornauw wins most aerial battles on set pieces and in open play. His 0.13 non-penalty expected goals per 90 underline his threat at the other end.

Front-Foot Defending

The Belgian defender reads danger early, stepping into passing lanes. His average of 1.8 interceptions per game for Wolfsburg places him among the league’s top 15 centre-backs.

Progressive Passing

Modern coaches crave defenders who can ignite attacks. Bornauw attempts 4.7 progressive passes each match, completing 74 %—evidence that he is more than a traditional stopper.

Areas for Improvement

While Sebastiaan Bornauw rarely makes positional errors, he can be overly aggressive, drawing fouls in advanced zones. Reducing such risks will elevate him into Europe’s elite tier.

International Outlook

Roberto Martínez handed Bornauw his senior Belgium debut in 2020. Although game time has been limited by fierce competition, the Red Devils view the Wolfsburg man as a long-term successor to Jan Vertonghen. Upcoming European qualifiers should provide ample minutes.

What the Numbers Say

The data firms up the eye test. According to Opta, Bornauw’s 73% duel success ranks fourth among Bundesliga defenders under 25. His 0.9 expected goals plus expected assists over 90 minutes (xG+xA) is higher than Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck in the same period.

Comparison with Peers

Versus Upamecano

Dayot Upamecano completes more progressive carries, yet Bornauw edges the Frenchman in aerials won and disciplinary record.

Versus Tah

Jonathan Tah’s passing accuracy tops 90%, but Bornauw posts better metrics in interceptions and blocks, illustrating a proactive defensive style.

The Future for Sebastiaan Bornauw

Wolfsburg extended his contract to 2026, indicating faith in his leadership potential. With the club aiming for consistent UEFA competition, Bornauw’s composure and athleticism will underpin their high-line strategy. Rumours link Premier League clubs with a summer bid, though the player’s camp insists he’s focused on mastering the Bundesliga before contemplating a move.

Injury Record

Save for a minor ankle sprain in 2022, Bornauw has stayed remarkably durable, averaging 31 league appearances per season since 2019. This availability boosts his value in a market where reliability is prized.

Coaches’ Verdicts

Former Köln boss Markus Gisdol praised his “ice-cold mentality,” while Wolfsburg’s Niko Kovač lauds his balance of “old-school grit and modern build-up play.” Such endorsements highlight why the Belgian defender’s ceiling remains high.

Opinion

With steady year-on-year growth and numbers to rival established stars, Sebastiaan Bornauw looks set to anchor club and country backlines for the next decade. If he refines his timing in tackles, a move to Europe’s absolute elite feels like a matter of when, not if.