Dunk: We want to qualify for Europe again

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The skipper looks back on his last 15 years with the club.

Bruce Talbot

2025-08-17T06:00+01:00

Lewis Dunk is closing in on 500 appearances for Albion. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

As he prepares for his 16th full season as an Albion player, Lewis Dunk tells us he is ready to lead the challenge for European football.*

How has this pre-season compared to the 15 previous ones you’ve had as a first-team player?

Lewis Dunk was a part of the England squad that reached last year's UEFA Euros final. 📷 by The FA.

Really enjoyable. Last season I didn’t get much of a break because of being away with England at the Euros but this has been a good summer – a nice break with the family and then some work to make sure I was in good shape when we came back, followed by the trip to Spain which was hard work but really enjoyable. Things like that are great to build the togetherness in the squad and get to know the new lads. Some of them make me feel old… but I thought it was a good trip. We trained hard, often twice a day, and the two matches were competitive which is just what you need. Since we got back it’s been full steam ahead getting ready for today against Fulham. Hopefully we can make a good start although we know they are a very good test.

Was there any time in Spain for a spot of golf?

Yes there was, with quite a few of the staff playing as well. It seems to be a game the goalkeepers like because Jason Steele and Carl Rushworth are decent players but Jack Hinshelwood and [goalkeeper coach] Owen Fisher won the tournament, although we might have to get them back in front of the handicapping committee. I know Jack won the Euros with England this summer but that was probably as big a thing for him to win!

Can you believe you are starting your 16th season in the squad?

No, in a word! I remember when I was young, and the senior pros used to tell me to enjoy every moment because it goes so quickly and you go ‘whatever!’ But I told a couple of the younger lads a few weeks ago exactly the same thing – it does fly by so make the most of it.

How does it feel to have become so integral in the recent history of the club?

Nice, and it’s an easy question to answer because of my love for the club. They gave me an opportunity as a young kid and I’ve grown with them, from making my debut in League One, promotion to the Championship and then of course getting into the Premier League and progressing from there. Hopefully there is a lot more growth to come from me and for the club before I finish.

During the last 16 years what’s changed most about the game itself?

The biggest thing is the tactical side of football has developed enormously but I like to think, especially since promotion to the Premier League, that I have adapted as well. Back in 2017 I was probably thought of purely as a defender – kick it and head it and block shots. But then under Graham Potter we evolved our style and I could show what I can do with the ball. Under Roberto [De Zerbi] that went to another level and under Fabian Hurzeler there is quite a nice balance. It’s always enjoyable trying to stretch yourself and learn new things. It’s the only way to deal with all the challenges of the modern game, particularly the pace and athleticism of Premier League players.

How has your relationship with Fabian developed?

Fabian Hurzeler and Lewis Dunk. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

It’s very strong. A lot was made when he came about his age but the older lads just think of him as the gaffer, there’s never any thought about how old he is. I would say my role under him as captain has evolved. I’m part of the leadership group and one of the things Fabian is big on is making sure we uphold the highest standards in what we do on and off the pitch, day in and day out. It’s up to me and people like Danny Welbeck and James Milner to make sure that happens.

How do you reflect on last season's eighth-place finish?

Our men's first team finished the 2024/25 season with a 4-1 win at Tottenham. 📷 by James Boardman.

I think at times we showed how good we could be. I don’t think it was a coincidence that we probably played our most consistent football at the end of the season. The performances against Liverpool and Spurs in the last two games were as good as any we’ve had in the Premier League. We had quite a few new players last season as well as a coach who was new to the Premier League so it was always going to take time. But particularly in those last few weeks you could see what we had to offer, and I suppose the only disappointment is that we fell just short of European football.

Tony Bloom has talked about challenging consistently for Europe. Do you think this squad can do that?

From what I have seen of the new players 100 per cent yes, when you add them to what we’ve already got. The squad’s really deep now with two quality players in each position and that really drives standards because everyone wants to play. A good example of that was the friendlies against Southampton and Wolfsburg when we fielded two different teams against each opponent and won three and drew the other game. The new lads are obviously talented but they are good people as well. The chairman has such a good record when it comes to identifying and bringing in young talent to add to what is already a good squad and making sure they are the right character. Of course, it takes time for every player to get used to this league, no matter what environment they have come from.

The way this club works is pretty unique. We can sell our big players for good money and we bring in replacements that can fill their shoes. I’m sure this season we can prove that the players coming in are good enough and they will help us get back to where we all want to be which is Europe. The manager talks about challenging the establishment. That’s our objective. It’s probably a bigger challenge than 2023 because I think the Premier League is even stronger than ever, but we’ve done it before and we know what it takes.

Do you sometimes think about just how far the club – and you – have come since 2010?

May 2025 marked 15 years since Lewis Dunk's first team debut - a goalless draw at MK Dons.

Yes, but probably not enough. You get caught up in a whirlwind and you take it for granted but even being in this building [American Express Elite Football Performance Centre] is crazy. When I first started we shared our gym with the university students at Falmer. It is incredible and I don’t think I’ll really appreciate it until I do call it a day. You are constantly looking ahead and thinking about what you can achieve in the future and how far the club can go. In my role it’s important that I am always striving for more and that my ambitions are reflected by the squad. The club are pushing to find different ways of making even small gains that can make a difference and that is exciting to be part of, even for the more experienced lads like me.

*This interview was conducted prior to the Fulham game, for the matchday programme.