Austria's national team gears up for test matches with veteran returns and young talents

Austria's national football team is approaching the World Cup with a blend of seasoned experience and fresh faces, as announced ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Ghana and South Korea. The squad, featuring debutants and returning players, presents an intriguing mix of potential and familiarity.

Kalajdzic and wiegele lead the charge

The return of Sasa Kalajdzic, a towering presence after a two-and-a-half-year absence, has injected a much-needed physical dimension into the team. His size and aerial prowess offer a different profile from existing forwards. Alongside him, Florian Wiegele, making his debut for the national team, brings a remarkable height of 2.05 meters and a shoe size of 51.

National coach Ralf Rangnick has opted to give several players a chance to impress before finalizing the preliminary squad of 28 players for the World Cup. The matches against Ghana on March 27th and South Korea on March 31st will be pivotal in assessing the team's form and identifying potential key players.

New blood and familiar faces

The call-up of Carney Chukwuemeka and Paul Wanner, who recently switched international allegiance, has created a competitive atmosphere in attacking midfield and on the wing. While Chukwuemeka is still seeking consistent playing time at Borussia Dortmund, Wanner has established himself as a regular at PSV Eindhoven. The competition for places is fierce, with players vying for a spot in the final squad.

The team's midfield presents a selection headache. Experienced players like Nicolas Seiwald and Konrad Laimer are reliable options, while Florian Grillitsch, in good form for Sporting Braga, offers a dynamic presence.

Scoring form is another area of focus, with Christoph Baumgartner netting a remarkable six goals this season for RB Leipzig. Marko Arnautovic, at 35 years old, continues to deliver for Bologna, contributing both goals and assists.

Defensive questions and a resurgent kalajdzic

While the attack has new energy, the defense remains under scrutiny. Kevin Danso's recent struggles at Tottenham have left his place uncertain, with competition mounting from players like David Affengruber and Michael Svoboda.

The return of Sasa Kalajdzic is a significant boost for the team’s physical presence, providing a weapon in the air and a strong presence in duels. His height and robustness will be valuable assets for Austria in the upcoming matches.

Rangnick’s decision to give Kalajdzic a chance highlights the coach’s willingness to adapt and experiment as the team progresses towards the World Cup. The coach’s approach underscores the urgency to find the right formula before the final squad selection.