A man with ambitions
The summer transfer period was a turbulent one, with several departures and a number of new arrivals, as well as the near-transfers of Prass and Wüthrich – especially with the latter, Managing Director Sport Andreas Schicker and his colleagues prepared for a fixed departure and carefully examined the transfer market. The Belgian Dimitri Lavalée should come to Graz. However, when defense chief Wüthrich’s transfer fell through unexpectedly, the 1.87 meter tall central defender was sent on loan to the Styrian capital anyway. The 26-year-old was only known to very few people in the Austrian football landscape, but around four months later we know – this player has class!
“Sturm’s interest came about two weeks before the end of the transfer period. I was lying on the couch, watching a movie and then my agent called me and said that Sturm was interested in me. After that everything took its course and now I’ve been here for four months!” The Belgian has already experienced a lot during this time. He has already played for Sturm 14 times – top national games, Europa League or city derby – and was able to impress in every game. The trained central defender, who is primarily deployed in the six-man position when attacking, is particularly impressive due to his strong left foot and his ability to open up the game in combination with his high defensive qualities. Lavalée doesn’t just like black and white, he also likes his new home. “I really have to say, I really like it in Graz. I quickly found an apartment and the city is very nice, familiar and has great cafes, restaurants and parks. I like the city a lot.” However, Dimi, as he is called in the club, has not only settled in well in the city, the Belgian has also taken a shine to the club. “The club is growing from year to year and you can immediately tell that they want to develop further and are far from finished, every detail has been thought through. The team itself is of really high quality, which they have proven in recent years on the European stage and with the strong national results and the cup title. This year too we are a really competitive team that actually doesn’t have to hide from anyone!”
Settled in great
Lavalée is in the same vein as every new addition in black and white, emphasizing the excellent integration into the team and the team chemistry. “It was very easy to gain a foothold in the team. It’s a young group with many nationalities, so many languages are spoken. The atmosphere in the dressing room and within the team is great and pleasant.” Did anyone particularly support the 26-year-old during his integration? “No, in general everyone was or is friendly and helpful to me because we are simply a good group! I only have to highlight Gregy, I took over the apartment from him, which of course helped me to arrive in Graz even faster.”
2023-12-20 15:39:34
#Belgian #Wall
