Overview
Marko Arnautović, born on 19 April 1989 in Vienna, Austria, is a professional footballer recognized for his versatile attacking capabilities. Standing at 1.93 meters, Arnautović primarily operates as a forward, capable of playing as a central striker, a second striker, or on either wing. His career has spanned multiple top European leagues, including the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, Premier League, and Serie A, alongside a period in the Chinese Super League. He has also been a prominent figure for the Austria national team, earning over 100 caps and becoming one of their all-time leading goalscorers.
Position
Arnautović's primary position is that of a striker, where his physical attributes and technical skills allow him to hold up play, link with midfielders, and pose a direct goal threat. He is also adept at drifting wide, particularly from a left-sided attacking role, enabling him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot or deliver crosses. This positional flexibility has been a consistent feature throughout his career, making him a valuable asset in various offensive systems.
Identity
Often described as a 'maverick' or a 'talismanic forward', Arnautović's identity on the pitch is characterized by a blend of raw power, unexpected flair, and a strong competitive spirit. His ability to produce moments of individual brilliance, combined with his imposing physique, allows him to dominate defenders and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. While his temperament has occasionally drawn attention, his on-field impact, particularly in crucial moments, underscores his importance to the teams he has represented.
Career path
Marko Arnautović's football journey began in his native Austria before taking him across Europe and Asia. He started his youth career at various Viennese clubs, including Floridsdorfer AC, FK Austria Wien, and SK Rapid Wien, before joining FC Twente's academy in the Netherlands in 2006. His senior debut came with Twente, where he made 44 Eredivisie appearances between 2007 and 2009, scoring 12 goals. His performances attracted the attention of Inter Milan, who signed him on loan for the 2009-10 season, a period where he contributed to their treble-winning campaign under José Mourinho, though his playing time was limited to three Serie A appearances. Transfermarkt records his move to Werder Bremen in 2010 for a reported fee of €6.2 million, where he spent three seasons, scoring 14 goals in 84 Bundesliga matches.
Premier League Tenures
In 2013, Arnautović moved to the Premier League, joining Stoke City. He quickly became a key player for the Potters, making 145 appearances across all competitions and scoring 26 goals over four seasons. His impactful displays led to a move to West Ham United in 2017 for a reported club-record fee of £20 million. At West Ham, he transitioned more consistently into a central striking role and enjoyed his most prolific Premier League spell, netting 22 goals in 65 games. His goal-scoring form and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite during his time at the London Stadium.
Move to China and Return to Italy
In 2019, Arnautović departed West Ham for Shanghai SIPG (now Shanghai Port FC) in the Chinese Super League. During his two years in China, he scored 20 goals in 39 appearances. He then returned to Italy in 2021, signing for Bologna FC 1909. At Bologna, he rediscovered his form in Serie A, becoming their top scorer in the 2021-22 season with 14 goals. His consistent performances for Bologna earned him a move back to Inter Milan in 2023, initially on loan with an obligation to buy, marking a return to the club where he had a brief spell early in his career. This move was confirmed by Transfermarkt's player transfer history.
Playing style
Marko Arnautović's playing style is characterized by a unique combination of physical strength, technical finesse, and an ability to create opportunities both for himself and his teammates. As a forward, his 1.93m frame allows him to excel in aerial duels and act as a target man, holding up the ball effectively to bring others into play. This physical presence is complemented by surprisingly quick feet and dribbling ability, particularly when driving at defenders or cutting in from wide positions.
His technical attributes include a powerful and accurate shot, especially with his right foot, which he utilizes from various ranges. Arnautović is also known for his intelligent movement off the ball, finding pockets of space in congested areas, and his capacity to link up play with short, incisive passes. FBref's player data often highlights his involvement in progressive carries and successful take-ons, underscoring his dual threat as both a finisher and a creator. His vision allows him to play through balls and deliver dangerous crosses, making him more than just a poacher.
While primarily an attacking player, Arnautović also demonstrates a willingness to contribute defensively, tracking back and applying pressure when required, particularly in high-pressing systems. His work rate, though sometimes questioned earlier in his career, has evolved, especially during his time in the Premier League and subsequent return to Serie A, where he adapted to more demanding tactical roles. His ability to perform under pressure and score crucial goals in tight matches is another hallmark of his style. Comparisons have sometimes been drawn to players like Zlatan Ibrahimović in terms of his physical presence, technical flair, and sometimes outspoken personality, although their career trajectories and trophy hauls differ significantly.
Achievements & honours
Marko Arnautović has accumulated several team honours throughout his career, primarily during his time with top European clubs. While individual accolades have been less frequent, his contributions have been integral to his teams' successes.
Club Honours
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Milan | Serie A | 2009–10 |
| Inter Milan | Coppa Italia | 2009–10 |
| Inter Milan | UEFA Champions League | 2009–10 |
| Inter Milan | Supercoppa Italiana | 2023 |
| Inter Milan | Serie A | 2023–24 |
Individual Milestones
- Marko Arnautović became the first Austrian player to win the UEFA Champions League, achieving this with Inter Milan in the 2009–10 season, albeit with limited playing time.
- He has consistently been among the top goalscorers for his clubs, notably at West Ham United and Bologna, where he often led the line and contributed a significant portion of the team's goals.
- With the Austria national team, he has surpassed 100 caps, placing him among the most capped players in the nation's history, and is one of their all-time leading goalscorers. FIFA's interview with Arnautović highlights his commitment to the national team.
International career
Marko Arnautović has been a cornerstone of the Austria national team for over a decade, making his senior international debut on 11 October 2008 against the Faroe Islands. Since then, he has established himself as one of Austria's most prominent players, earning 111 caps and scoring 36 goals, making him the second-highest goalscorer in Austrian football history, as detailed by FIFA's statistics on Austrian players.
He has represented Austria in multiple major international tournaments. Arnautović was a key figure in Austria's squad for the UEFA European Championship in 2016, where they were eliminated in the group stage. He again played a crucial role in UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), where Austria reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history, progressing from their group before being narrowly defeated by eventual champions Italy in the Round of 16. During Euro 2020, he scored a notable goal against North Macedonia.
His leadership and experience have been vital for the national side, particularly in World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns. Arnautović often serves as the focal point of Austria's attack, using his physicality to trouble defenders and his technical ability to create scoring opportunities. His commitment to the national team has remained strong throughout his club career transitions, consistently answering the call-up for international duty and contributing significantly to Austria's efforts on the global stage. He continues to be a central figure as Austria navigates qualification for future tournaments.
What makes Marko Arnautović stand out
Marko Arnautović stands out due to a blend of his imposing physical presence, unexpected technical flair, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His height and strength allow him to dominate defenders in the air and hold up play effectively, providing a strong platform for his team's attacks. However, it's his ability to combine this with quick dribbling and precise passing that truly differentiates him. He can beat players one-on-one, deliver incisive through balls, and finish with power and accuracy, making him a multifaceted threat.
Another distinctive trait is his capacity to perform under pressure. Throughout his career, Arnautović has often delivered in big moments, scoring important goals in tight matches or providing the spark needed to change the game's momentum. His personality, though sometimes perceived as fiery, also contributes to his standout appeal, often galvanizing his teammates and engaging with supporters. He possesses a confidence that allows him to attempt audacious moves and shots, which, when successful, can be game-changing.
"He's a player who can do everything. He has the physique, the technique, and the eye for goal. When he's on, he's unplayable." – David Moyes, former West Ham United manager.