David Affengruber
FUL
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Mar 19, 2001 (25)
Right
6'1"
174 lb
Scores first international goal
Affengruber scored his first goal for Austria in Sunday's 3-1 win over Kosovo in the Nations League, according to his club.
Analysis: Affengruber has started two of his three appearances since joining Fulham this summer, sitting out his debut before taking on a starting role in central defense in place of Joachim Andersen. He has produced a clean sheet and 16 clearances across those two starts, and this international goal adds to a strong early stretch of form.
Finds starting time
Affengruber has started in two of his three appearances since joining Fulham.
Analysis: Affengruber was a late addition to this team this summer, but has quickly found himself in the action, sitting out his debut match but then starting in the next two contests. He then seems to have taken the role of Joachim Andersen in the middle of defense, quickly taking on a starting role for the club. In his two starts, he has earned a clean sheet and 16 clearances, potentially a solid center-back due to his work rate in defense, although a low amount of clean sheets could hurt him unless Fulham starts to pick up play.
Excellent Saturday
Affengruber recorded one tackle (zero won), nine clearances and two interceptions in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Liverpool.
Analysis: Affengruber was arguably the man of the match during Saturday's draw. He was brilliant defensively, out-muscling and positioning the Liverpool attackers throughout. It was an excellent showing right from the opening kick off and he entirely deserved the clean sheet and draw. Affengruber has another tough clash against Manchester United to look forward to.
Makes bench Saturday
Affengruber (not injury related) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Affengruber earned a spot in the squad for his potential Fulham debut after joining as a late summer signing from Elche, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirming he could make the bench despite initially ruling him out before reversing course in the same press conference. The defender averaged 4.9 clearances, 2.1 tackles and 5.1 duels won per game in LaLiga last season, and his presence among the substitutes adds a useful option to Fulham's defensive depth. Arbeloa made clear he will need time to integrate before factoring into the starting rotation, with Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey expected to continue as the established center-back pairing.
Could ultimately be available
Affengruber (not injury related) could be an option for Saturday's clash against Crystal Palace, according to coach Alvaro Arbeloa, per Jack Kelly of the Fulhamish Podcast.
Analysis: Affengruber recently joined Fulham as a late summer signing following his departure from Elche, bringing a reliable defensive profile that averaged 4.9 clearances, 2.1 tackles and 5.1 duels won per game in LaLiga last season. He was first ruled out by coach Alvaro Arbeloa during the presser before the Spaniard confirm he could make the bench for Saturday's clash but will need time before starting a game for the Cottagers. His arrival adds pressure on current starters Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey, though he will need some time to integrate before factoring into the rotation.
Transfers to Fulham
Affengruber will join Fulham as a late summer signing following his departure from La Liga club Elche, his new team announced Tuesday.
Analysis: Affengruber's addition to Fulham's squad gives the team an exciting defensive boost and puts pressure on current starters Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey heading into upcoming competitions. The Austrian is a highly reliable performer in various defensive categories, averaging 4.9 clearances, 2.1 tackles and 5.1 duels won per game over the 2025/26 La Liga campaign.
Leader in interceptions, clearances
Affengruber made four interceptions and two clearances during Sunday's 5-0 loss to Barcelona.
Analysis: Affengruber was a part of the Elche back line that allowed five goals, leading his side in interceptions and clearances. The defender has combined for three shots and seven clearances through the opening two La Liga matches this season.
Leader in blocks, tackles
Affengruber took two off target shots, blocked a shot, made two tackles (winning both) and five clearances during Monday's 1-1 draw with Deportivo.
Analysis: Affengruber finished with the second most clearances on the team while leading Elche in blocks and tackles. The defender should remain a main fixture in the Elche back line following last season's 33 starts across 36 league appearances.
Returns to club training
Affengruber has returned to training with Elche following his World Cup campaign with Austria, the club posted.
Analysis: Affengruber had a quiet World Cup, included in Austria's squad but not featuring at all across the competition. He now returns to Elche, where he remains an essential part of the back line after being a key figure in the club's promotion to La Liga and their survival battle last season, standing as one of the center backs least prone to rotation on the roster. Affengruber made 36 appearances last season, recording 74 tackles, 51 interceptions and 178 clearances, and did so despite Elche not ranking among the division's best defensively.
8 clearances against Girona
Affengruber had two tackles (two won), eight clearances and one interception in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Girona. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 47th minute.
Analysis: Affengruber was one of Elche's most composed performers in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Girona on the final day of the season, anchoring the right side of a back four that held firm against sustained Girona pressure throughout the second half as the hosts desperately searched for the win they needed to survive, while also adding two tackles, one interception and eight clearances. Affengruber ends the 2025-26 La Liga season with one goal, one assist, 74 tackles, 51 interceptions and 178 clearances across 36 appearances, establishing himself as a composed and reliable starter in a side that spent the entire campaign battling relegation before securing survival on the final day.
Scores, assists in win
Affengruber scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 win versus Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Affengruber had a big impact in this win with a goal and an assist, showing he can contribute from the defensive spot. He has a great matchup to keep this production going when he plays against Oviedo, a team which has conceded 48 goals in La Liga play this season.
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