Philipp Lienhart

Key strength: Adaptability

Versatile player

SC Freiburg are enduring a difficult campaign, sitting 9th in the table with just one win from their last five matches (LWLDL). While flair players like Johan Manzambi and Yuito Suzuki grab headlines with their attacking brilliance, the true heartbeat of Christian Streich's side is Austrian centre-back Philipp Lienhart. The 29-year-old has been an ever-present force, racking up 19 appearances and 1,515 minutes—testament to his durability and importance. Though his stat sheet shows just one goal and no assists, Lienhart's value lies in his defensive mastery: aerial dominance that snuffs out danger, positional intelligence that organizes the backline, and a willingness to take tactical fouls when necessary. His five yellow cards tell the story of a defender who puts the team first. With a €12 million market value, the 68-rated Austrian represents old-school defensive excellence in an era of glamorous attacking play. As Freiburg search for consistency, Lienhart remains their immovable foundation—the platform upon which any revival must be built.