RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner is already in European Championship form and at the level of an Austrian soccer icon. The 24-year-old scored the opener for coach Ralf Rangnick's team in Austria's 1-1 draw in Switzerland - his fifth goal in five consecutive games. The last time Hans Krankl achieved that was in 1976.
"My confidence is very high, I'm in a good mood, I feel good. I have a good feeling for the current situation. I'm pleased that I'm in form at the right time," said Baumgartner. Austria will face France, Poland and the Netherlands in Group D at the European Championships.
The world-record man, who scored after seven seconds against Slovakia in March, was also the lightning starter in St. Gallen. Baumgartner received the ball in his own half in the fifth minute, dribbled through several Swiss players and successfully completed his solo run. In total, it was his 15th goal in his 38th international match.
An "absolute must" for Rangnick
The attacking player was not a regular at RB Leipzig last season. Rangnick commented that "it's hard to imagine when you see him here with us". Although Baumgartner made 32 appearances in the Bundesliga, he was only in the starting eleven eleven times. Leipzig signed Baumgartner for €25 million from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the summer of 2023.
Rangnick described Baumgartner as a "difference player" who is "absolutely set". "He is brimming with self-confidence, is really a player who leads the way and makes the difference with his actions. We're happy to have him," said the 65-year-old.
But Baumgartner said he was not fully fit for the game. "Sick is the wrong word," said the Leipzig professional. "There are days when you don't feel one hundred percent fit. That's how it was for me, I wasn't at my usual energy level."
Copyright 2024, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved
