Nicolas Seiwald
LeipzigCM (CB)
Box-to-Box
May 4, 2001 (25)
Right
5'10"
174 lb
One cross, two tackles won
Seiwald logged one cross (one accurate), three tackles (two won), two clearances and one interception during Austria's 3-1 win Tuesday against Jordan.
Analysis: Like for RB Leipzig, Seiwald stabilized Austria's midfield, perhaps with even better help in the form of Bayern player Konrad Laimer. Seiwald's lone cross found Marko Arnautovic, who opted to reset the Austria attack rather than shoot. Even though Seiwald's two clearances and one interception were fewer than those from some of his Austrian teammates, only he won multiple tackles, which the defensive midfielder sporadically achieved last season. The unsung but valued Seiwald will primarily be worth monitoring during a relatively unproven Austria's next game, scheduled for Monday against reigning World Cup champion Argentina and its potent attack.
Defensive midfield anchor
Seiwald has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to provide the structural foundation upon which manager Rangnick's pressing system is built throughout the competition.
Analysis: Seiwald ended the season having made 33 Bundesliga starts for RB Leipzig, contributing two assists across 2,704 minutes in what has been another consistent campaign for him. The Austrian brings exceptional positional discipline, pressing intelligence and the ability to cover enormous amounts of ground that makes him a fundamental piece of Austria's midfield, and his Leipzig upbringing under the Red Bull philosophy means he embodies everything manager Rangnick demands from the position. Seiwald heads into the World Cup as one of the unsung but essential figures in Austria's squad, with his ability to control games from deep potentially the difference between progressing or exiting at the group stage.
Trains, shakes off illness
Seiwald (illness) is back in training and is fit for play again heading into Saturday's match against Leverkusen, according to his club.
Analysis: Seiwald had missed the last match through illness but is appearing to be fit again, as he joined his teammates for training Tuesday. This is major news for the club as they gain back a key midfielder for the final three games, starting in 29 games, while earning two assists. He will look to finish the season strong and see a stroke of form as he heads into the World Cup with Austria.
Out through illness
Seiwald is out for Friday's game against Union Berlin due to illness.
Analysis: Seiwald is a key presence in midfield for RB Leipzig, so his absence should be felt due to his two-way value. Assan Ouedraogo will take his place in the XI, whereas Seiwald will aim to return to action when Leipzig take on Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, May 2.
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