Philipp Lienhart
SCF
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Jul 11, 1996 (30)
Right
6'2"
183 lb
Named in starting XI
Lienhart is in the starting lineup for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich after being rested for Thursday's UEFA Conference League encounter against Monaco.
Analysis: Lienhart returns to Freiburg's starting XI after sitting out Thursday's European fixture against Monaco as part of a workload management decision. The Austrian defender had remained in Freiburg rather than traveling with the squad, allowing him additional recovery time during a demanding stretch of fixtures. His inclusion against Bayern Munich confirms that his absence Thursday was precautionary rather than injury-related. Lienhart resumes his regular role in central defense, providing Freiburg with an important defensive presence against one of the Bundesliga's strongest attacking sides.
Skips European trip for rest
Lienhart will miss Thursday's UEFA Conference League clash against AS Monaco after remaining in Freiburg for workload management, but is expected to be available for Sunday's Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich, according to the club.
Analysis: Lienhart has been left out of Freiburg's squad for Thursday's UEFA Conference League match against AS Monaco due to workload management, with the club expecting him to be ready for Sunday's meeting with Bayern Munich. The decision appears designed to manage his physical demands rather than address a reported injury, giving the center back a short break during a busy schedule. Unless his status changes, he should be in contention to return to the starting lineup against Bayern Munich.
Another six-clearance performance
Lienhart recorded one shot off target and six clearances in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Algeria.
Analysis: Lienhart has recorded six clearances in his two starts so far in the World Cup. Given he was on the bench against Argentina, and with Spain coming up in the Round of 32, it wouldn't be surprising if Lienhart returns to the bench in favor of Kevin Danso, who plays for Tottenham in the Premier League. Lienhart has 12 clearances, one tackle, one blocked shot and one shot off target so far in the World Cup.
Records six clearances
Lienhart logged one tackle (one won), six clearances, one interception and one block during Austria's 3-1 win Tuesday against Jordan.
Analysis: Similarly to SC Freiburg this season, Austria used a 4-2-3-1 formation, with its central defenders including David Alaba and Lienhart. But while Alaba struggled, Lienhart was rock solid against a Jordan team surprisingly potent offensively. So unsurprisingly, the Freiburg center-back was defensively active, leading Austria in clearances and being among the team's only players (Alaba the other) to log a block. It was during extra time that Lienhart made his biggest impact, logging a successful tackle to stop what could have been an equalizing through-ball and stopping Jordan's last attack, via a free-kick.
Composed center-back
Lienhart has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the first-choice center-backs throughout the competition, bringing the composure and technical quality that has defined his time at Freiburg to the biggest stage of his career.
Analysis: Lienhart made 20 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg this season after a campaign disrupted by injuris, contributing two goals across all competitions with his characteristic composure on the ball and aerial dominance whenever available. The defender brings eight seasons of Freiburg experience and a left-footed elegance in buildup that suits manager Rangnick's possession-based system, and his familiarity with the coaching staff's demands gives him a clear path to a starting berth. Lienhart heads into the World Cup as one of Austria's most technically gifted defenders and a player whose quality on the ball could be a key differentiator in high-pressure situations.
Scores off bench
Lienhart scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Wolfsburg.
Analysis: Lienhart came off the bench to get the lone goal for Freiburg on Sunday. Since his return from injury, he's played six league matches (two starts) while scoring once on three shots and making four tackles and 26 clearances in the process.
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