Overview
Valentino Lazaro is an Austrian professional footballer born on March 24, 1996, in Graz. Standing at 1.80 meters, he is predominantly known for his role as a midfielder, though his career has seen him deployed in various positions across the pitch. His athleticism, technical proficiency, and adaptability have been defining characteristics throughout his professional journey, which began in Austria before moving to top European leagues. Lazaro's career has been marked by spells in Germany, Italy, and England, showcasing his ability to compete at an elite level.
Position
While listed primarily as a midfielder, Lazaro's on-field presence often extends beyond a single designation. He has frequently operated as a right-wing-back or right-back, utilizing his pace and crossing ability to contribute offensively and defensively. His versatility allows coaches to deploy him in wide midfield roles, as an attacking midfielder, or even on the left flank when required, leveraging his comfort on both sides of the pitch. This positional flexibility is a significant asset, enabling tactical variations within a squad.
Identity
Valentino Lazaro's footballing identity is characterized by his dynamic running, dribbling skill, and work rate. He is often described as a modern wide player capable of influencing play in both defensive and attacking phases. His ability to carry the ball forward, combine with teammates in tight spaces, and deliver accurate crosses makes him a threat in the final third. Defensively, he demonstrates commitment to tracking back and engaging in duels, underscoring his contribution to team shape and effort. This blend of attributes has made him a consistent presence in club setups and for the Austrian national team.
Career path
Valentino Lazaro's footballing journey began in his native Austria, where he quickly rose through the youth ranks before making a significant impact at the senior level. His early career was defined by his rapid ascent and move to prominent European leagues.
Red Bull Salzburg
Lazaro joined the youth academy of Red Bull Salzburg and made his senior debut for the club in November 2012 at the age of 16, becoming the youngest player ever to feature in the Austrian Bundesliga at the time (Wikipedia). Over his tenure at Salzburg, he developed into a key player, contributing to multiple domestic title wins. His performances, particularly his athleticism and technical skill, attracted attention from clubs across Europe. He spent five seasons with the senior team, accumulating significant experience in both league and European competitions.
Hertha BSC
In the summer of 2017, Lazaro moved to Germany, initially joining Hertha BSC on loan before making the move permanent in 2018 (Transfermarkt). With Hertha, he established himself as a regular starter in the Bundesliga, primarily operating as a right-back or right-midfielder. His two seasons in the German capital further enhanced his reputation as a dynamic wide player capable of influencing games with his offensive contributions and defensive reliability.
Inter Milan and Loan Spells
Lazaro's impressive displays for Hertha BSC led to a move to Italian giants Inter Milan in the summer of 2019 (Transfermarkt). While at Inter, he struggled to secure a regular starting spot and subsequently embarked on several loan spells to gain consistent playing time. These included moves to Newcastle United in the Premier League (2020), Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga (2020-2021), and Benfica in Portugal (2021-2022). Each loan spell provided him with varied experiences in different leagues and tactical systems, contributing to his overall development as a versatile professional. After his loan with Torino during the 2022-23 season, he permanently joined the Serie A club in the summer of 2023 (Transfermarkt).
Playing style
Valentino Lazaro’s playing style is defined by his versatility, athleticism, and technical attributes, making him a dynamic presence on the pitch. Primarily operating as a wide midfielder or full-back, his contributions span both offensive and defensive phases of play.
Technical Attributes
Lazaro possesses strong dribbling ability, often utilizing his close control and agility to navigate past defenders in tight spaces. His comfort on the ball allows him to carry possession forward from deeper positions, initiating attacks. He is also known for his accurate crossing, particularly when deployed on the right flank, capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box for teammates. While not a prolific goalscorer, his finishing from wide areas and intelligent runs into the box contribute to his attacking threat. His passing range is solid, enabling him to link play effectively and switch the point of attack.
Physicality and Work Rate
Physically, Lazaro is a tireless runner, covering significant ground throughout a match. His pace is a key asset, whether he's driving forward on the counter-attack or tracking back to mark an opponent. This high work rate is evident in his defensive contributions, as he consistently engages in pressing, tackles, and interceptions. For example, during his spell at Hertha BSC, he often registered high numbers for defensive actions in wide areas, reflecting his commitment to defensive duties (FBref). This blend of offensive flair and defensive diligence makes him a valuable asset in systems that demand dynamic wide play.
Comparison and Role
Lazaro's style can be compared to modern wing-backs or wide midfielders who are expected to contribute significantly at both ends of the pitch. His ability to overlap, underlap, and provide width, coupled with his defensive responsibility, mirrors players like Achraf Hakimi or even some iterations of Juan Cuadrado, who blend athleticism with technical skill in wide areas. His role often involves providing tactical flexibility, allowing coaches to switch formations or adjust defensive schemes without making personnel changes, due to his adaptability across multiple positions.
Achievements & honours
Valentino Lazaro has accumulated several significant achievements and honours throughout his career, primarily during his formative years in Austria and subsequent loan spells. These accolades reflect his contributions to successful teams at both domestic and international levels.
Club Honours
His most decorated period came with Red Bull Salzburg, where he was an integral part of a dominant era in Austrian football. During his time there, he lifted numerous domestic titles, establishing a winning pedigree early in his career.
| Club | Competition | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | 2013–14 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Cup | 2013–14 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | 2014–15 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Cup | 2014–15 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | 2015–16 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Cup | 2015–16 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Bundesliga | 2016–17 |
| Red Bull Salzburg | Austrian Cup | 2016–17 |
| Benfica | Primeira Liga | 2021–22 |
Beyond his time at Salzburg, Lazaro also secured a league title during his loan stint with Benfica, contributing to their Primeira Liga triumph in the 2021–22 season (Transfermarkt). These team honours underscore his role in successful campaigns across different European leagues.
International career
Valentino Lazaro has been a consistent presence in the Austrian national team, representing his country across various youth levels before making his senior debut.
Youth International
His international journey began early, featuring for Austria at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 levels. These youth appearances provided a platform for him to develop and showcase his talents, leading to his eventual call-up to the senior squad.
Senior Debut and Role
Lazaro made his senior debut for the Austria national football team on May 30, 2014, at the age of 18, in a friendly match against Iceland (FIFA). Since then, he has accumulated 36 caps for his country and scored 3 goals (as of May 2026). He has become a versatile option for Austrian coaches, often deployed on the right side of midfield or defense, where his pace and ability to deliver crosses are utilized to full effect. His energy and work rate have made him a valuable asset in Austria's system, contributing to both attacking impetus and defensive solidity.
Major Tournaments
Lazaro has featured in qualifying campaigns for major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. He was part of the Austria squad that participated in UEFA Euro 2020, where he made appearances and contributed to the team's performances (UEFA). His participation in such tournaments highlights his importance to the national side and his ability to perform on the biggest international stages. He continues to be a key player for Austria, providing experience and dynamism to their squad.
What makes Valentino Lazaro stand out
Valentino Lazaro stands out primarily due to his exceptional versatility and tireless work rate, which allows him to impact games across multiple positions. His ability to seamlessly transition between right-back, right-midfielder, and even more advanced roles makes him a tactical asset for any coach. This adaptability is complemented by his technical proficiency in dribbling and crossing, providing a consistent threat down the flanks.
Another distinguishing trait is his remarkable athleticism. Lazaro possesses significant pace and stamina, enabling him to make continuous runs up and down the wing, contributing to both offensive overloads and defensive recovery. His defensive commitment, even when playing in attacking roles, ensures he is a complete wide player who contributes to the team's overall structure. His loan spells across different leagues also highlight his resilience and willingness to adapt to new environments and tactical demands.
"Lazaro is a modern wide player; he has the engine to go box-to-box and the quality to make a difference in the final third."