Patrick Pentz #13

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Usually the backup to Schlager, Pentz excelled as Austria’s No 1 at Euro 2024. After another convincing performance against South Korea in March, the coach, Ralf Rangnick, admitted he was spoilt for choice. Outstanding with the ball at his feet and a sharp shot-stopper, Pentz still divides opinion: at 1.83m, he is considered short by modern goalkeeping standards. After tough spells at Leverkusen and Reims, he is enjoying life in Copenhagen as Brøndby’s undisputed No 1. “In Denmark, people respect that footballers have private lives,” he says. Denmark is a fitting destination for this avid collector of Harry Potter Lego sets, although that was not the reason he turned down more lucrative offers last summer. “You have to ask yourself if it’s worth it,” he said. “I do appreciate the great life we have here in Copenhagen.”

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