RB Leipzig recently completed the signing of young Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner. The twenty-three-year-old has spent his last four seasons with Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, collecting 138 appearances.
€24 million looks set to be a good investment for RB. The Austrian possesses an inherent aggression in the press, and his direct attacking play fits the Leipzig ethos.
Playing most of his football on the right side of a midfield three, often filling the role of an eight, Baumgartner was vital in transition for Hoffenheim last season. FBRef recorded the midfielder collecting 3.51 progressive passes, 2.66 progressive carries, and 1.89 successful take-ons over the previous 365 days.
The midfielder's impressive stat line is complimented by how apparent his technical ability and physical presence are when watching him in the flesh. Baumgartner was a focal point of Hoffenheim's attack, constantly looking to drive with pace and purpose on the counter and displaying the skill and intelligence to find the spare man consistently.
Alongside elite playmaking, the midfielder is no stranger to being the final man and collected thirty senior goals for Hoffenheim over his four-year stint. An impressive haul that becomes even more so when you watch them back and are forced to gawk at the sheer variety on display.
The Austrian has displayed the ability to score inside the six-yard box, outside the area, and everywhere in between. Averaging 2.31 shots per ninety, Baumgartner is an out-and-out attacking midfielder whose best football occurs in the opponent's half. Though he isn't destined to be a thirty-goal-a-season striker, there is a chance he could have taken that route.
That being said, his technical ability and confidence on the ball have allowed him to excel in the counter-press, and he is comfortable receiving the ball from his back line. Having this in the his locker, the midfielder is also comfortable being utilised as a six.
Defensively, the Austrian is capable but unfamiliar. Spending most of his time defending in the press has skewed the midfielder's stats, but he is exceptional in the role and will no doubt be used in the same way by RB Leipzig.
Ultimately, Christoph Baumgartner's contributions last season helped save TSG Hoffenheim from relegation. With seven goals and seven assists, it is a sad goodbye for Hoffenheim fans, but the youngster is ready for the step up.
Personally, I am excited to see Baumgartner in action for Leipzig and see the move as a great fit. Both are dynamic, aggressive, and attacking. It could be a significant moment in the Austrian's career as he joins Europe's elite.