Christoph Baumgartner: Who is the RB Leipzig and Austria attacker?
Christoph Baumgartner's goals, assists and general magic in the final third will be key to Austria's hopes of advancing to the knockouts at UEFA Euro 2024. bundesliga.com profiles the exciting RB Leipzig attacker...
Data correct as of 10 June 2024
Age: 24 (born 1 August 1999)
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Second striker/ attacking midfielder
Country: Austria (38 caps, 15 goals)
Key stats
Baumgartner produced three goals and two assists in Euro qualifying. He's also scored five times in his last five friendly appearances, matching his competitive tally in his debut season at Leipzig in 2023/24. Before switching to the Red Bull Arena in summer 2023, the 5'9" playmaker chalked up a single Bundesliga season best hand of seven goals and three assists for Hoffenheim. It marked a 20.8 percent share of their 48-goal total as they finished three points clear of the relegation zone, and was the third time in four full campaigns he had hit seven top-flight goals for the Sinsheim club.
Baumgartner had joined Hoffenheim at the age of 16, arriving from St. Pölten as a two-time Austrian U18 league top scorer. He was handed his Bundesliga debut at 19 by Julian Nagelsmann, and has since become a staple of the Austria national team. The Leipzig No.14, naturally right-footed but strong on his left side, got arguably his most important strike for his country at Euro 2020. His match-winning goal against Ukraine in the group stage sent Austria through to the last 16, where they were only beaten by eventual champions Italy after extra-time.
Plays a bit like: Florian Wirtz
Baumgartner says the No.10 position is his preference, but he was increasingly being used as a forward at Hoffenheim. That he is able to make such a seamless transition between roles is testament to his footballing IQ. His abilities off the ball are matched by what he's capable of on it. Boasting quick feet and a silky touch, he also knows when to pass and when to go for goal himself, à la Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen and Germany.
Watch: The best of Christoph Buamgartner
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Did you know?
Baumgartner follows in the footsteps of older brother Dominik, who currently plies his trade as a defender for Austria's Wolfsberger AC. The pair twice lined up together for Austria U21s - in wins over Macedonia and Greece.
What they're saying
"Christoph Baumgartner was one of our absolute priority targets. He's a very versatile player who can play centrally, on both wings, as an inside forward or a central striker, and can also play in central midfield. Christoph is quick, possesses a threat on goal and is a very intelligent player. He can play with both feet and has an incredible shot. His skills and abilities lend another aspect to our game. Baumi is also a good guy: down-to-earth, eager to learn and ambitious." – RBL sporting director Max Eberl
"He's a player every team needs, and has made huge strides." – ex-Hoffenheim head coach Sebastian Hoeneß
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