3 minute read
Brandon Borrello has overcome a serious knee injury to break through in the Bundesliga and is looking to take that form into the Socceroos' clash with Kuwait.
Socceroos attacker Brandon Borrello says being called up for national duty earlier this year set the foundation for his remarkable start to this season in the Bundesliga.
Borrello was preparing to move from Kaiserslautern to SC Freiburg when he ruptured his ACL in April 2018, but despite the serious injury, the Bundesliga side still went through with the transfer in July.
He completed his rehabilitation in Germany before returning via SC Freiburg's reserves and was called up for Socceroos camp earlier this year, making his international debut against South Korea in June.
Since then, the 24-year-old has broken through at SC Freiburg, starting all three games in the Bundesliga so far. Borrello also recorded an assist for the only goal in a DFB-Pokal (German cup) win over 1.FC Magdeburg.
"I made an effort to always stay in a positive place no matter what was happening with the injury and all that," Borrello said.
"I think when my chance came I was completely ready and I think what helped as well was after last season I came into the national team camp without playing any professional minutes and that gave me a lot of confidence."
Borrello, who has been called up for Australia's World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, is best known for his work on the right wing but can play anywhere in the front line, providing versatility in the Socceroos' attack.
He joins fellow Bundesliga attacker Mat Leckie (Hertha BSC) and Premier League goalkeeper Mat Ryan (Brighton and Hove Albion) as the Socceroos' only regular starters in Europe's top leagues - with Aaron Mooy yet to establish himself as a starter at Brighton.
"I was really happy with my performances so far and I mean they can only get better as well," Borrello said.
"So I thought the first game of the Bundesliga 'oh maybe I'm a bit nervous' but as soon as I got out there I felt comfortable, I felt like I could hold my own.
"So I was really pleased with that and I think that's what's got me through the last couple of games too."
