Matthias Seidl, Rapid Wien
Matthias Seidl is probably the most complete footballer on the list, but also perhaps the hardest to imagine being attainable. The Rapid Wien captain has developed steadily through Austrian football after beginning in the fourth tier, eventually emerging as both a leader and an international-level player.
What makes him fascinating is the contrast between role and skillset. He has played deeper this season, often functioning as a holding midfielder in possession-heavy systems, but most observers still view him as a natural attacking midfielder or advanced playmaker. That creates some difficulty statistically because his defensive positioning alters the profile considerably.
The broader indicators are still excellent. Six goals and eight assists from midfield in over 3000 minutes reflect consistency, while his upbringing within the Red Bull Salzburg structure likely means he is extremely well-schooled tactically and physically. Players developed in that environment are usually comfortable in pressing systems, transitional football and high-intensity structures.
There are leadership indicators, too. Captaining Rapid Wien at 25 is significant, particularly at a club with major expectations and scrutiny. The reported Rangers interest also suggests bigger markets are already aware of him.
For Lincoln, the challenge would not just be cost, but convincing a player already operating at a strong European level to move into the Championship. Stylistically, though, he feels like a very Skubala-type midfielder: intelligent, adaptable and capable of interpreting multiple roles within the same structure.
Well done Jack for your Hat Trick for Eire !