Swiss in analysis
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In the summer of 2025, Fabian Rieder moved from Stade Rennes to FC Augsburg for a fee of around 7 million euros. The 24-year-old had recently lost his regular place in the offensive center with the Fuggerstadt team to homegrown player Mert Kömür. Nevertheless, Dimitrios Giannoulis’ Achilles tendon injury could now open up a new perspective for the 25-time Swiss national player in coach Manuel Baum’s structure.
The Greek’s failure left Baum with a personnel gap on the left before the Cologne game, which the trainer filled with Rieder. The former Stuttgart player has the necessary profile to move from the center to the wing: he has a strong left foot, brings intensity to the game and can cover long distances. Rieder also impresses with his precise cross play and has often been a set-piece shooter in his previous positions. His pace is also solid.
An overall high volume of running with many intensive routes, constant offensive presence and precise crosses as well as strong duel strength and defensive work are among the necessary tasks on the wing. In addition, there is security when playing with and against the ball and tactical flexibility – i.e. the ability to occupy the line wide and move into the center depending on the situation. In the 2-0 win against Cologne, Rieder fulfilled these requirements satisfactorily and thus drew attention to himself as a real alternative in this position. He consistently held the line, acted aggressively in duels and showed defensive stability.
These approaches looked promising and suggested that the position adjustment could be more than just a short-term stopgap measure. Whether Rieder on the left remains a transitional option for Coach Baum or whether something develops from it in the long term will become clear with Giannoulis’ return at the latest. In the coming weeks, only opponents from the top third of the table will be waiting for the Fuggerstadt team in the coming weeks: Leipzig, Dortmund and Stuttgart. The fact is: The Swiss, whose market value rose again in the last Bundesliga update for the first time since December 2024, is likely to be looking for as much playing time as possible with a view to the approaching World Cup.
By Nino Poletti
