Sheraldo Becker: Back in Rhythm

Three weeks of international football have come and gone, and Mainz 05 are now back in action in the Bundesliga. Sheraldo Becker looks back on the club’s start to the season with plenty of confidence. Things have been going well for both Mainz and the 31 year old so far. On Saturday, the FSV face another tough test against Bayer Leverkusen at the MEWA ARENA (kick off at 3:30 pm CEST, live on Sky, DAZN and 05ER.fm). Becker is eagerly anticipating the first home game after the break and discusses, among other things, what it will take to get a result against Leverkusen.

After four matchdays, Mainz 05 have collected an impressive seven points, while Becker has already contributed two goals and three assists. He has almost matched his personal tally from last season, when he recorded three goals and three assists. It is little wonder, then, that the striker would have preferred the international break to come later. “The break came at a slightly inconvenient time for both me and the team, because I’m in good form and we had been doing well as a team,” Becker says. The time away from Bundesliga action was used to train intensively and work on every aspect of their game. Now, the focus turns to the clash with their fellow league side, who sit fifth in the table, one place above the Rheinhessen.

A Different Situation Than Last Winter

When Becker joined Mainz last winter, the situation was completely different. He had gone four months without playing a match in Spain and was unable to complete a full pre season with the team. Meanwhile, Mainz 05 were battling to avoid relegation, and that was where the focus lay. Communication with his teammates is also important to Becker. Talking regularly, getting to know each other’s movements and finding solutions together on the pitch all take time. Since then, that time has passed. Becker now has a better understanding of his teammates’ preferences and has found his place in the team.

“It was important for me to get back into my rhythm. That’s what we’ve been working on,” says the forward. The results of that work are evident not only in his goals and assists, but also in his partnership with Phillip Tietz. Becker has already spent plenty of time with his strike partner, who has scored four goals so far, during pre season and the training camp. The foundations for an effective partnership were therefore laid well before the current campaign began.

The Fastest Player in the Bundesliga

Then there is Becker’s pace. With a top speed of 36.58 kilometres per hour, he is currently the fastest player in the Bundesliga. It is an impressive figure even by professional football standards. For comparison, elite 100 metre sprinters reach significantly higher speeds than 36 km/h, while the average recreational cyclist manages only around 20 km/h. Becker, meanwhile, reaches his top speed while sprinting with the ball at his feet and under pressure from opponents, all at the age of 31.

However, he no longer needs any special training to maintain that speed. “Not for the last ten years,” Becker says with a laugh. During his time at Ajax Amsterdam, running technique was combined with strength training. These days, the Surinamese forward knows what his body needs. “But even at 31, I’m still fast.”

His pace is more than just a statistic. It is a key weapon in Mainz’s attacking game. When the 05ER win back possession and Becker has space to run into, he can create danger within seconds. That same explosive pace could prove decisive against Leverkusen.

Accepting Periods Without the Ball

On Saturday, Mainz will face Bayer Leverkusen, led by their new Spanish coach Carles Martínez, a side that are technically strong and place great emphasis on possession. That could work in the 05ER’s favour. “We’ve shown many times that we can do well against the top teams,” Becker says.

At the same time, he knows that Mainz must get their own game plan right. For the 31 year old, it comes down to the complete package: “Run more, win more duels and score more goals.” The approach is clear. Mainz must accept that Leverkusen may enjoy more possession, but they cannot allow that to disrupt their own game plan.

“Finally, We’re Back!”

Becker is particularly excited about returning to the MEWA ARENA. Mainz’s last home game, against Eintracht Frankfurt, was played on 12 September. Now, he is eager to feel the energy from the stands again.

“Playing at home in front of our fans is always special,” he says. But the priority is clear: securing all three points. “As a team, we need that energy from the stands. It gives us a great feeling and motivates us to give everything for the people in the stadium.”

The rhythm is back, and the form is there. Now, all that is missing is Mainz’s first home win of the season.