Saša Kalajdžić
Saša Kalajdžić (; born 7 July 1997) is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart and the Austria national team. Club career. Kalajdžić started his career as a professional footballer in Austria for FC Admira Wacker Mödling. Originally playing as a midfielder, he later became a forward. On 5 July 2019, Kalajdžić signed a four-year contract with the German club VfB Stuttgart. Shortly after his arrival, he suffered a torn cruciate ligament during a preseason training camp. He eventually made his league debut on 28 May 2020, coming on as a  substitute in the 78th minute of matchday 28 of the 2019–20 2. Bundesliga season against Hamburger SV. He subsequently scored his first goal for the club in matchday 33 during a 6–0 rout of FC Nuremberg. In the following season, Kalajdžić frequently lead the line for VfB Stuttgart, finishing the season ranked 6th top scorer in the Bundesliga with 16 goals, helping his team finish 9th in the league. The next season, Kalajdžić scored the winner in Stuttgart's 3–2 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach on matchday 25. International career. Kalajdžić made his debut for Austria on 14 October 2020 in  a Nations League game against Romania. He came on as a substitute for Michael Gregoritsch in the 90th minute. On 25 March 2021, he scored his first two international goals in a 2–2 away draw with Scotland during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. Kalajdžić was included in the squad for Euro 2020, where he scored a goal in a 2–1 loss after extra-time against Italy in the round of 16. Style of play. Due to his two-meter stature and relatively slender build, Kalajdžić received comparisons with the English striker Peter Crouch, who similarly to Kalajdžić functioned as  an out-and-out target man. During his youth career, Kalajdžić also played as a holding midfielder and referred to Nemanja Matić as an inspiration. Personal life. Born in Austria to the Bosnian War refugee parents, Kalajdžić is of Bosnian Serb descent.