Why Leeds United and Sebastiaan Bornauw may already regret Hamburg loan

The grass may not prove to be greener for Sebastiaan Bornauw away from Leeds United.

After joining the Whites last summer, the Belgian international struggled to carve out a meaningful role in Daniel Farke's side last term.

Following the signings of Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic this summer, his task in that regard was only made significantly harder.

With a minimal squad role at best lined up for him at Elland Road this season, Leeds and Bornauw made the decision that a loan move would be best.

Bundesliga side Hamburg came calling, and secured his services for the duration of this season.

He's already made a handful of appearances for his new side, but they've not been ones to write home about.

How has Sebastiaan Bornauw fared for Hamburg since Leeds loan move?

Bornauw has significant experience of playing in the Bundesliga, having done so with Wolfsburg and Cologne.

So, Hamburg will no doubt have been hoping and perhaps expecting that he would instantly hit the ground running with them.

That's not been the case for the Leeds loanee after his first two league appearances, however.

As per FotMob, he ranks in the bottom 3.8 percentile of all Bundesliga centre-backs this season for his 1.00 recoveries per 90 minutes average.

Meanwhile, he also places in the bottom 15.4 per cent for his 81.9 pass success rate and his 2.00 fouls committed per 90 too.

His 50 per cent duels won rate ranks in the lowest 25 percentile, whilst 1.50 tackles, 0.50 blocked shots and 1.00 dribbled past per 90 are all belove average.

But aside from these numbers being obviously concerning, what other key factor doesn't read well for his Leeds future?

Why Bornauw should be thriving in Hamburg's system

This loan spell feels pivotal to Bornauw's future Leeds prospects, as the Whites continue their upward Premier League trajectory.

Bornauw needs to return to West Yorkshire next summer with a dossier of Hamburg evidence as to why he should be back in Farke's thinking.

And even if not that, for his prospects of a permanent move and more windfall for Leeds to take forward.

Hamburg's system should suit him too, as manager Merlin Polzin deploys a back three system with wing-backs: the same as Farke does at Leeds.

Bornauw has been playing in the middle of the three central defenders for Hamburg.

If he can't prove himself capable of starring in this system this season, then Farke will likely see him as a player he can't trust moving forward.

Bornauw needs to improve on his early performances then, and improve fast.