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3. Christoph Baumgartner – Hoffenheim

A poor season by every account for Hoffenheim was brightened up by the performances of 21-year-old Christoph Baumgartner.

The Austrian matched his goal contribution tally from the 2019/20 campaign with 11 for the 11th place side, coming in the form of six goals and five assists. Being utilised across the three behind the striker for Hoffenheim, Baumgartner has also featured deeper in a central midfield slot although looks distinctly more comfortable, and dangerous, further up the pitch.

An excellent technical level is boosted by his own glowing self-belief, regularly attempted flicks and tricks as he attempts to unlock opportunities for a side desperately lacking in creative output.

As for defensive contribution – that which is he forced to do plenty of – superb positioning and tackling numbers see him offer stability in his own third. Averaging 2.79 tackles and interceptions per 90 and sitting in the 99th percentile for shots blocked, it’s clear his time in a struggling side has improved that area of his game.

His pressing stats are also very strong, sitting in the 99th percentile for successful pressures, 93rd percentile for tackles won and 94th percentile for ball recoveries. Despite being just 5’9″ tall, his leap is fantastic and he’s in the 99th percentile for aerials won.

That’s all great, but what about attacking output? His stats aren’t the most alluring for those departments but mitigation comes in the form of the team he plays for. Superb dribbling ability and excellent technique with his right foot is something that could be unlocked with greater levels of technical security around him, thus knowing whether he’s an excellent fit comes down to extensive and meticulous scouting.

Baumgartner does look like an excellent rising talent, however, and he started in Austria’s opening 3-1 Euro 2020 win over North Macedonia. Will that please fans, though? Unlikely, and more experience in that department will surely be looked at even if he’s in for a very bright future.