Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Austria. According to the Premier League website, 17 Austrians have played in the Premier League. This does not include Ashley Barnes, who played for Austria under 20s but was denied citizenship in 2019 and is listed as English on the Premier League website.
First Player – Alex Manninger (Arsenal; 1997-2001)
Manninger joined Arsenal as a backup to David Seaman, but would play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title win in 1997/98. Initially thrust into the side following an injury to Seaman, Manninger went on to win Premier League Player of the Month for March following six consecutive clean sheets.
Manninger’s league debut came on 31st January, starting in a victory over Southampton. Kicking off at the same time in Hillsborough, Christian Mayrleb became the second Austrian to play in the Premier League when he was substituted on after 74 minutes.
Records
- Most Appearances – Paul Scharner (221)
- First appearance – Alex Manninger (ARSENAL 3-0 Southampton, January 31st 1998)
- Most goals – Marko Arnautović (43)
- First goal – Emmanuel Pogatetz (Sunderland 0-3 MIDDLESBROUGH, January 31st 2006)
Current Players
The following four Austrians have appeared in the 2019/20 Premier League season so far: Christian Fuchs (Leicester), Daniel Prödl (Watford), Kevin Danso (Southampton), Valentino Lazaro (Newcastle).
Trivia
- Of the 17 Austrians to have played in the Premier League, nine have played for a PL club in 2018 or more recently.
- Alex Manninger and Christian Mayrleb became the first and second Austrians to play in the Premier League, both on January 31st, 1998. Emmanuel Pogatetz and Paul Scharner became the first and second Austrians to score in the Premier League, on the same day exactly eight years later.
- Alex Manninger and Christian Fuchs are the only Austrians to win a Premier League medal.
