We can't play the football of tomorrow without developing some very talented young players, and our Salzburg Way has gained us a great name internationally.
We don't want to always throw talented youngsters into the deep end, however. The chance to gather playing time in professional football at a slightly less demanding stage is provided perfectly in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga at one of our co-operation partner clubs – Liefering, Kapfenberg or Amstetten.
We are taking a look at which co-operation players have been able to seize the limelight this season to give themselves every hope of appearing for us soon.
Goalkeeper
Jonas Krumrey may be a familiar name to many of you, as he has already been in our Red Bulls' squad as a back-up keeper. He is currently gaining some important playing time at FC Liefering. The 19-year-old from across the border in Germany has made 11 starts for FC Liefering coach Onur Cinel, and he has conceded 17 goals in that time. The 1.93 metre goalkeeper emits a great sense of footballing calm despite his young age, and regularly contributes with key saves.
Defence
Having turner 15 shortly after signing for us in the summer, John Mellberg has shown an incredible sense of maturity as a regular for FC Liefering. The big centre-back is totally ready for the physical play of the Austrian second tier. He has great assurance in challenges - whether they are on the ground or in the air, and he can pick a perfect pass at times. The only blip to his development has been the misfortune of a foot injury keeping him out in recent weeks.
_1.jpg.webp?imwidth=650)
Another top defensive talent is picking up playing time presently in Rocco Zikovic. The 18-year-old has even made an attacking impact, scoring in the 2-2 draw against Amstetten. At KSV 1919, co-operation player Luis Lucho Vasquez also marked his comeback in a 1-0 win against Liefering - playing the full 90 minutes.
Midfield
We have some promising things in the midfield pipeline! Perhaps no more so than Moussa Yeo. When the 19-year-old from Mali plays for Liefering, he seems to be in the middle of everything. The technically solid youngster has suffered some injury problems this season, but there is still a lot to come from him, for certain. Yeo's compatriot Soumaila Diabate (18) has also gained playing time in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga.
Midfield all-rounder Lawrence Agyekum has been able to sample Bundesliga playing time already. The 19-year-old from Ghana sustained an injury at the start of the season, however, and only recently made a comeback.
There are great hopes placed in Elione Fernandes-Neto. The 18-year-old arrived this summer from Fortuna Düsseldorf, whom he has already played for in the Second German Bundesliga. With his challenging strength and inclination to launch quick attacks, he has quickly found a place in the Liefering starting line-up - and has captained our UEFA Youth League team.
.jpg.webp?imwidth=650)
Zeteny Jano and Oliver Lukic offer a real attacking punch from midfield. The latter even made The Guardian's list of the 60 biggest talents in the world born in 2006. The pair have both shown their creative talents already in the ADMIRAL 2. Liga and UEFA Youth League - with comfort on the ball and an eye for goal uniting them. Lukic has been injured since October, however.
Attack
We have some irons in the fire here too – look no further than new summer signing Adam Daghim! With quick dribbles, intelligent play and a nose for goal - the 1.86-metre Danish striker has a lot to offer. He has become a FC Liefering regular in next to no time and is one of our key performers in the UEFA Youth League. 1.93 m tall Nicolo Turco (who joined us in the summer from Juventus) is also among Onur Cinel's regular starters and a particular menace following long balls forward.
A 19-year-old local lad, Luka Reischl, is also in the attacking mix after missing the start to the season with a shoulder injury. Daniel Owusu is with SKU Amstetten as a co-operation player and can definitely inject tempo into a game, albeit the 20-year-old from Ghana is yet to really find his feet.
