Career Overview:

• 2012–2015: In these early years, Grillitsch played primarily as a defensive midfielder, where he showcased his ability to read the game, break up attacks, and distribute the ball efficiently. His solid performances at Ried caught the attention of larger clubs in Austria, and in 2015, he made a move to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

• 2015–2018: Grillitsch’s first few seasons at Hoffenheim were spent primarily as a defensive midfielder, where his intelligence, composure on the ball, and excellent passing range made him a key player for the team. He was an important part of the squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann, who often deployed Grillitsch in a midfield pivot role, where he could break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently.

• 2018–2021: Grillitsch’s role at Hoffenheim evolved, and he became increasingly versatile. Under various coaches, he was used both in midfield and occasionally as a centre-back, particularly when the team needed to solidify their defense or when injuries disrupted the squad. Grillitsch’s adaptability allowed him to seamlessly transition between these two roles, providing stability and flexibility to Hoffenheim’s lineup.

• Achievements at Hoffenheim:

  • Regular Bundesliga appearances for several seasons.

  • Contributed to Hoffenheim’s participation in European competitions like the UEFA Europa League.

In 2021, Grillitsch made a free transfer to Ajax in the Eredivisie, one of the top clubs in the Netherlands. He signed a contract with Ajax, seeking new challenges in a top European league, but his time at Ajax was relatively short-lived. He struggled to secure a starting role in a highly competitive squad, with Ajax having several quality midfielders and defenders. This limited his playing time, leading to a move away from the club.

In 2023, Grillitsch moved to Braga, a top club in the Primeira Liga in Portugal. At Braga, he has found more consistent playing time and an important role in the team.

• 2023–Present: Grillitsch’s ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back has been an asset to Braga, where he has been deployed in both roles. His leadership, passing ability, and experience in top European leagues have made him an important figure for the team, both in domestic competition and in European tournaments like the UEFA Europa League.

International Career:

Grillitsch has also been an integral part of the Austria national team since making his debut in 2016. He has been called up regularly for competitive matches and international tournaments.

• Euro 2020: Grillitsch was part of the Austrian squad at UEFA Euro 2020, where he provided depth to the midfield and defensive options.

• World Cup Qualifiers: He has contributed significantly to Austria’s efforts in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, helping the team maintain a solid midfield and defensive balance.

Grillitsch’s ability to perform at both defensive midfield and centre-back allows Austria to be more flexible tactically, especially when needing to adapt to different opponents and match situations.

Playing Style:

Florian Grillitsch is known for his versatility and intelligence on the ball. Here are some of his key attributes:

• Defensive Midfield: Grillitsch is an intelligent, composed player in the defensive midfield position. He excels at reading the game, making interceptions, and breaking up opposition attacks. His ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively makes him an excellent deep-lying playmaker.

• Centre-Back: When deployed as a centre-back, Grillitsch’s ability to read the game and position himself effectively shines through. He’s not the most physically dominant, but he uses his tactical awareness, positioning, and composure to make important clearances and tackles. He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is vital for modern centre-backs.

• Versatility: One of Grillitsch’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can switch between midfield and defense with ease, giving his coaches tactical flexibility. Whether deployed as a more defensive midfielder or at centre-back, he offers solid performances in both positions.

• Passing Range: Grillitsch is also known for his passing ability. He can distribute the ball effectively over short distances or with long passes to switch the play. His passing range allows him to dictate the pace of the game from the back or the midfield.

• Composure: Whether in defense or midfield, Grillitsch is calm under pressure and can maintain possession even in tight situations. This composure allows him to build attacks and keep the ball moving efficiently.

Achievements:

SV Ried:

• Austrian Bundesliga debut and early career development.

Hoffenheim:

• Regular Bundesliga appearances over several seasons.

• Helped Hoffenheim qualify for European competitions like the UEFA Europa League.

Ajax:

• Eredivisie and European competition experience.

Braga:

• Establishing himself as a key player in the Primeira Liga and European competitions.

Austria National Team:

• Regular international appearances, including at Euro 2020 and World Cup qualifiers.