Nicolas Seiwald is another exciting young talent from Austria, and he’s indeed making his mark in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. Like Xaver Schlager, Seiwald is also a defensive midfielder, known for his work rate, technical skills, and versatility in midfield. Here’s a bit more about his career and playing style:

Career Overview:

• 2018–2021: Seiwald spent several seasons developing at Salzburg, initially as a backup option but gradually earning more playing time in the first team. His performances in the Austrian Bundesliga and in European competitions, like the UEFA Europa League and Champions League, helped him gain recognition.

• 2021–2022: In his final season at Salzburg, Seiwald established himself as a key figure in midfield, playing regularly alongside other top players like Brenden Aaronson, Noah Okafor, and Karim Adeyemi. He was often deployed as a deep-lying midfielder or a more box-to-box role, where his tactical awareness and passing ability stood out.

  • Achievements at Salzburg:

    • Austrian Bundesliga Titles (Multiple seasons)

    • Austrian Cup Titles (2020–2021)

    • Regularly featured in European competitions, contributing to Salzburg’s strong performances in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

• 2022–2023: Seiwald’s transition to Leipzig was relatively smooth, as he fit into the team’s style of play under coach Marco Rose. In Leipzig’s high-pressing, possession-oriented system, Seiwald’s intelligence on the ball and defensive capabilities became very valuable.

  • His ability to disrupt opposition attacks and quickly transition play helped strengthen Leipzig’s midfield.

  • He played alongside experienced players like Konrad Laimer and Kevin Kampl, but his potential to become a central figure in the midfield was clear from the start.

• 2023–2024: Seiwald has continued to impress with his performances, featuring in both domestic and European competitions for Leipzig. His versatility means that he can play in various midfield roles, but he’s most comfortable as a defensive midfielder, where he shields the defense and helps in building attacks.

  • Leipzig has continued to compete for top spots in the Bundesliga, and Seiwald’s contribution has been crucial in ensuring the team’s balance between defense and attack.

  • His performances earned him a spot in the Austria national team, as he’s become one of the most promising midfielders in Austria’s next generation.

Playing Style:

• Defensive Strength: Like Xaver Schlager, Seiwald is excellent at breaking up attacks, intercepting passes, and making crucial tackles. His ability to read the game and position himself defensively is one of his key attributes.

• Passing Ability: Seiwald is also a very good passer of the ball. His range of passing, from short, quick passes to longer diagonal balls, makes him an effective link between defense and attack. He’s able to distribute the ball efficiently, and his decision-making helps Leipzig maintain control of possession.

• Work Rate and Stamina: He has an excellent engine, covering a lot of ground throughout the game. His high work rate allows him to press high when needed and recover defensively when required.

• Tactical Awareness: One of Seiwald’s standout qualities is his tactical intelligence. He’s capable of reading the game, understanding the flow of play, and making decisions that help his team both defensively and offensively.

• Versatility: While primarily a defensive midfielder, Seiwald has the ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder or even slightly higher up the pitch, offering flexibility to his coach and adding dynamism to Leipzig’s midfield.

National Team Career:

Seiwald has also become a regular for the Austria national team. His performances at both Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig have earned him a call-up, and he has featured in several UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers and other international fixtures.

• His inclusion in the national team’s midfield brings a balance of energy, tackling, and distribution, making him a useful asset for Austria in both defensive and attacking transitions.

• Seiwald is seen as part of the future for Austria, alongside other emerging talents like Konrad Laimer (who also plays for Leipzig) and Xaver Schlager.