Philipp Lienhart

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.

Jun 5, 2026

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.

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