Austria Bundesliga has always been a breeding ground for talent, and the 2025/26 season is no exception. With rising stars making their mark, we have identified the top three players who have been standout performers.
Powered by CompaAI, the cutting-edge AI tool from Comparisonator, this analysis turns complex football data into clear, actionable insights. With its latest advancements, CompaAI transforms squad analysis, delivering an instant, comprehensive view of team performance. In seconds, it highlights standout players, identifies emerging young talents, and pinpoints key areas for improvement.
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3 Best U23 Players in Austria Bundesliga
Jannik Schuster (‘06) (CB) – Salzburg
Jannik Schuster’s CompaAI Passing report:
Schuster ranks 1st out of 16 CBs for total passes (66.25) and successful passes (58.75) per match. The closest comparator, Chibuike Nwaiwu, averages 60.27 passes and 54.36 successful passes. This volume and efficiency indicate that Schuster is heavily involved in first-phase build-up and can be a primary circulation point. Tactically, this profile can be aligned with teams prioritising controlled possession and structured progression from the defensive line. Schuster ranks 1st for progressive passes (11.5) and successful progressive passes (8.08) per match. The nearest challenger, Elias Bakatukanda, records 9.85 progressive passes. This profile highlights Schuster’s ability to advance play through the thirds under control. From a tactical perspective, this can be valuable in systems asking centre-backs to step into midfield zones or bypass first pressing lines through passing. He is also 1st in passes in the opposition half (18.92), successful passes in the opposition half (17.42), passes into the middle third (38.92), and received passes (44.92). Additionally, his successful passes to final third percentage stands at 82.98% (1st). These indicators show comfort operating higher up the pitch and reliability when executing passes under increased pressure, aligning well with high-line or dominant-possession structures.
Jannik Schuster’s seasonal profile positions him as one of the most influential U23 centre-backs in Austria in the passing category, particularly in volume, forward intent, and progressive distribution. His strongest rankings are in total passes, offensive passes, forward passes, progressive passes, and opposition-half involvement, where he consistently ranks 1st out of 16.
Mohamed Ouédraogo (‘03) (LB) – Rheindorf Altach
Mohamed Ouédraogo’s CompaAI Duels report:
Ouédraogo ranks 1st out of 12 in total duels (24.38 per match), clearly ahead of the next best performer, Boris Matić (15.41). This gap indicates an exceptional level of involvement in direct contests. From a tactical perspective, this suggests a fullback who is constantly engaged, active in both defensive and offensive phases, and comfortable in high-contact environments. He may fit well in systems requiring aggressive wide defenders or high defensive line intensity. He also leads the position in duels won (13.19 per match), again ranking 1st, with the next closest player at 7.43. This combination of volume and success points toward strong timing, physical resilience, and assertiveness. In practical terms, he can be trusted to consistently come out on top in direct confrontations, particularly against wingers who rely on physical or transitional advantages. he outperforms direct peers such as Boris Matić and Frans Krätzig. This profile highlights a fullback who is not only defensively proactive but also highly competitive in forward duels, supporting ball progression and counter-pressing. Tactically, he may be effective in systems where the LB is asked to step into midfield zones or engage high up the pitch. He ranks 1st in air duels attempted (6.76) and air duels won (3.76) per match, including 1st in offensive air duels won (2.9). Compared to peers like Boris Matić (2.65 air duels) and Luca Pazourek (0.91 offensive air duels won), this indicates a rare aerial contribution from the LB position. This may add value in set-piece structures, far-post attacking situations, and defending long-ball oriented opponents.
Mohamed Ouédraogo’s seasonal duel profile is defined by league-leading volume and dominance in ground and aerial duels, particularly in absolute numbers. Ranking 1st out of 12 in most duel-related categories, he profiles as a physically imposing, highly involved left back who can sustain repeated direct engagements across all phases of play.
Kerim Alajbegović (‘07) (LW) – Salzburg
Kerim Alajbegović’s CompaAI Offensive report:
Alajbegovic ranks 1st out of 16 wide players for Shots per match (3.47) and Shots on target per match (1.4). The next closest players, Maurits Kjærgaard (1.83 shots) and Elias Havel (1.0 shots on target), are clearly behind. This indicates a winger with strong shot appetite and consistent involvement in finishing actions. Tactically, this profile aligns with an inverted winger or high-volume wide attacker who can be a primary shooting outlet rather than a pure creator. He leads the position group in Successful dribbles (3.87), Dribbling in the final third (5.33), and Successful dribbling in the final third (3.33), all ranking 1st out of 16. Compared to Petter Nosa Dahl (3.6 successful dribbles, 2.4 successful final-third dribbles), Alajbegovic shows superior consistency and volume. This suggests a player who can regularly destabilize defensive blocks, making him highly valuable against low or mid blocks. With 4.2 progressive runs per match, Alajbegovic ranks 1st out of 16, outperforming the next best player (Petter Nosa Dahl, 3.1). Combined with joint-best ball carrying (0.67), this highlights a winger who can advance play through individual actions. From a tactical perspective, he can be used as a transition accelerator and as a solution when structured build-up faces pressure. He ranks 1st out of 16 for Opportunities created (2.0) and 2nd out of 16 for Shot assists (1.27). While Maurits Kjærgaard leads shot assists (1.5), Alajbegovic’s numbers confirm that his offensive contribution is not limited to self-finishing. This dual threat increases his unpredictability and supports usage in systems that rely on wide overloads and cut-back creation.
Kerim Alajbegovic’s seasonal profile highlights elite rankings in shots, dribbling volume and success, progressive runs, opportunities created, and overall offensive involvement, consistently ranking 1st or 2nd out of 16 in these areas. His main limitations appear in finishing efficiency, assist output, and chance quality, where he sits in mid-tier rankings relative to peers.
