Xaver Schlager
NFO
Center Midfielder
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Sep 28, 1997 (29)
Left
5'9"
168 lb
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
2026/2027 Premier League
Overall Grades by game
2026/2027 Premier League
Upcoming matches
News
Provides midfield stability in defeat
Schlager generated one shot (zero on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Analysis: Schlager recorded one off-target shot, seven tackles (four won) and one interception across the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. He partnered Nicolas Dominguez in Forest's midfield and contributed to a disciplined defensive setup that restricted Arsenal's creativity throughout the first half and much of the second, with the visitors unable to produce a shot on target until the 80th minute. Schlager helped Forest remain competitive against the reigning champions, although Noni Madueke's late deflected strike ultimately left the hosts without a point.
Comes off bench, impresses vs Leeds
Schlager did not start Saturday's season opener against Leeds because he was not yet physically ready, but he came on late and left a positive impression despite the 1-0 defeat, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Jake Netting. "Some players had two, three or six weeks of pre-season, and I've got a lot of information from the training sessions and the games. So I didn't want to start them both because we can't afford to potentially substitute them later due to physical reasons."
Analysis: Schlager's exclusion from the starting lineup surprised some given his performances had appeared strong enough to warrant a spot, though manager Oliver Glasner cited form as the deciding factor in leaving him out initially. He's expected to pair with Ibrahim Sangare in midfield once fully up to speed, with his encouraging cameo off the bench strengthening his case for a role in the coming weeks, especially with Tuesday's Carabao Cup rematch against Leeds offering another opportunity to build momentum.
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