Saša Kalajdžić is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of Bundesliga defenders! This towering striker has returned to the German top flight after a spell in the English Premier League. Standing at a whopping 6’6″, Kalajdžić is the Bundesliga’s tallest player and a true force to be reckoned with.
The Austrian forward joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, aiming to rediscover his scoring form. Kalajdžić’s time in England was marred by injuries, but he did manage to score three goals in the first half of the 2023/24 season before making the move to Frankfurt.
A Scoring Machine in Stuttgart
Prior to his English adventure, Kalajdžić was a star for VfB Stuttgart, where he enjoyed a prolific period between 2019 and 2022. He netted an impressive 24 goals in 60 appearances, including a phenomenal 16 goals and 6 assists in his debut Bundesliga season.
This remarkable performance caught the eye of the Austrian national team, who called him up for international duty. Kalajdžić made his debut in 2020, and his ability to find the back of the net quickly became evident. He scored twice in his second start for Austria and went on to feature in all four of Austria’s UEFA Euro 2020 matches.
More Than Just a Big Man
While Kalajdžić’s towering presence is undeniable, he’s much more than just a target man. He possesses exceptional two-footed ability, is a key player in the build-up, and has the finesse to strike the ball with real power and precision.
Many have drawn comparisons to legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimović and former England international Peter Crouch, recognizing Kalajdžić’s unique combination of size and skill. But Kalajdžić, with a charmingly humble attitude, prefers to simply be “Sasa.”
A Fantasy Football Legend
Kalajdžić’s impact on the pitch extends beyond the goals he scores. He once admitted to forgetting to add himself to his fantasy football team, a hilarious confession that demonstrates his down-to-earth personality. He even managed to amass a respectable 253 Fantasy Bundesliga points during his time at Stuttgart.
Former Stuttgart head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo spoke highly of Kalajdžić, praising his ability to link up with teammates, communicate effectively, and be a valuable asset to the team. Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic also highlighted Kalajdžić’s aerial prowess, describing how he “reaches four or five metres in the air, rising above the opposition and making clean contact with the ball.”
Saša Kalajdžić’s return to the Bundesliga promises exciting things for Frankfurt. With his size, skill, and infectious enthusiasm, he is sure to be a force to be reckoned with and a player to watch closely in the coming months.
