Xaver Schlager

Xaver Schlager, who came through the ranks of Red Bull Salzburg's youth academy, was promoted to the first team ahead of the 2016–17 season. Known for his versatility and tactical awareness, Schlager impressed the coaching staff with his performances in the UEFA Youth League and domestic competitions. His promotion marked the beginning of his career at the top level of Austrian football, where he would go on to win multiple Austrian Bundesliga titles and Austrian Cup trophies with the club.

Xaver Schlager made his senior international debut for the Austrian national team on March 23, 2018, in a friendly match against Slovenia. Schlager, known for his energetic midfield play and ability to recover the ball, was called up by head coach Franco Foda. Coming on as a second-half substitute, Schlager contributed to Austria's 3-0 victory at the Wörthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt. His performance was notable for his composure and accuracy in passing, marking the start of his international career.

On July 1, 2019, Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager transferred from Red Bull Salzburg to Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg. The transfer was reported to be worth around €15 million, making Schlager one of the most expensive Austrian players at the time. At Wolfsburg, Schlager's robust playing style and tactical versatility were highly anticipated to bolster the Bundesliga side's midfield strength as they aimed to qualify for European competitions.

On September 18, 2020, during a Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen, Xaver Schlager suffered a serious ankle injury. Schlager, who was a key player in VfL Wolfsburg's midfield, had to be substituted and was later diagnosed with a torn ankle ligament. This injury sidelined him for several months, impacting Wolfsburg's plans significantly. The club and fans were concerned about how they would manage in his absence, given his critical role in midfield.

Xaver Schlager made his much-anticipated return to the field on February 3, 2021, after being sidelined for nearly five months due to a serious ankle injury. His comeback game was in the DFB-Pokal against Schalke 04, coming off the bench to help his team win 1-0. Schlager's return provided a much-needed boost to Wolfsburg's midfield as they sought to maintain their momentum in the Bundesliga and achieve their target of European qualification for the season.

Austrian midfielder Xaver Schlager completed a move to RB Leipzig from VfL Wolfsburg on June 30, 2023. The transfer was part of RB Leipzig's strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming season and enhance their midfield options. Schlager was brought in for his experience, defensive capabilities, and leadership qualities, which are expected to play a crucial role in Leipzig's performances in both the Bundesliga and their European campaigns. The move was well-received by fans and pundits alike.