What makes a fan favourite? Playing style has to be a factor. Most supporters love a real grafter and ankle biter more than a hot-and-cold skillster. Consistency of performance is important, not only when it comes to goals, as is how they identify with the club. Being able to deliver when it really counts helps too. Since his arrival in Salzburg, Mads Bidstrup has ticked all these boxes and then some. The only flaw has been - if you can call it that for a defensively minded player - goalscoring.

{"titleEn":"ADMIRAL Bundesliga SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz v Red Bull Salzburg","description":"GRAZ, AUSTRIA - MARCH 31: Mads Bidstrup of FC Red Bull Salzburg during the ADMIRAL Bundesliga match SK Puntigamer Sturm Graz v FC Red Bull Salzburg on March 31, 2024 in Graz, Austria. \rPhoto by Michael Meindl - FC Red Bull Salzburg","tags":null,"focusX":0.0,"focusY":0.0}

His lack of goalscoring wasn't a factor in our recruitment of him, as looking for the net wasn't one of his roles at all for previous clubs. Still, who doesn't like to score a goal from time to time? Bidstrup hadn't registered a single strike in senior football, until two weeks ago! The Dane scored the first goal of his career in our first match of the championship group against TSV Hartberg. In our big match against SK Sturm Graz, he pressed on and scored a huge winner. His golden goal in Graz has seen our boys take a five-point lead at the top of the ADMIRAL Bundesliga. The match winner is keeping modest, saying: "There are still eight matches to play, and then we can celebrate!" in perfect German to Sky Sport Austria, an eleventh title in a row is looking more realistic now.

"I love these fans and this club!"

The fans were naturally delighted with the Danish battler again today. Not only for the fact that he sprinted across the entire length of the pitch to celebrate with them, but also that he spoke so frankly in the interview.

The three points today were really important. Sturm did really well, and it was a difficult match. I am really pleased for the team. I wanted to celebrate with the fans - as I love these fans and this club. It was an incredible feeling!

Mads Bidstrup

You can't do a much better job of becoming a fan darling than that! Mads has a chance to add to his successes with his club on Thursday as our Sturm Graz double concludes with a battle for a spot in the UNIQA ÖFB Cup final. Kick-off in the semi-final at the Red Bull Arena is at 20:45 CET, with tickets still available online.

Mads Bidstrup on his way into the fans' hearts