Xaver Schlager: Austria media rave over Nottingham Forest star's display vs Kosovo, stats show why

Nottingham Forest midfielder Xaver Schlager attracted huge praise from Austria after Sunday's 3-1 win over Kosovo.

Goals from David Affengruber, Chukwubuike Adamu and Carney Chukwuemeka secured the three points for the home side, who have won their first two Nations League games.

Schlager captained the side on his 57th appearance, nearly 10 years after he made his debut in 2018.

The 29-year-old joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer this summer after leaving RB Leipzig, and has looked more and more like an exceptional addition.

Sunday saw him deliver another impressive display, and Oliver Glasner will hope his countryman can return from international duty with the victories.

The former Crystal Palace boss has won just one of six games since taking over this summer, with a key run of games rapidly approaching.

Austria media wax lyrical over Xaver Schlager display

Schlager's career began in Austria with Redbull Salzburg, and he would eventually make his way to Leipzig in 2022.

Experience in clubs that demand technical quality has shown during his early days with Nottingham Forest, and it was apparent against Kosovo on Sunday.

Schlager completed 94 per cent of his 63 attempted passes and was a constant tempo-setter for Austria, completing six passes into the final third and three long balls.

The 29-year-old also made a tackle and five recoveries, winning five of the duels he contested on the night.

Kosovo struggled to deal with his presence, fouling him a remarkable four times - the joint-most of any player on the pitch.

Austrian outlet Krone rated Schlager a five out six, to indicate a very good performance. "The captain took responsibility, led from the front and covered a lot of ground. Top pass before the 2-0," they wrote.

Similarly positive were Laola 1, who rated the Nottingham Forest man with a one - their top rating. They wrote: "The captain was the strongest player on the pitch.

"Extremely secure on the ball (94 percent pass completion rate) and strong in challenges, he also repeatedly played dangerous through balls. 

"He played a key role in the 2-0 goal: with a rapid dribble, he drove the ball forward from his own penalty area and set up [Kevin] Wimmer at precisely the right moment."

Schlager aiming to replicate Premier League legend

Schlager has been a constant bright spot in a dismal start to the season for Nottingham Forest.

In an interview in pre-season, the midfielder admitted that Arsenal's invincible team captured his attention.

"This was a great team. There are some idols there," he said. "Now it’s my work to play football, and this was a dream for the small Xaver. Now I have other dreams. Everything is possible.”

One would assume Patrick Vieira garnered particular attention due to his position, and if Schlager can get anywhere near that level, Nottingham Forest will have made a very good signing indeed.