Patrick Wimmer: It’s now or never for the throwback forward

When you watch Patrick Wimmer play, it is so hard to not get excited about the Austrian. Only 23 years old, Wimmer has been learning his trade at Wolfsburg for three seasons now but I wouldn’t be surprised if this one was the last because he deserves to play at a much higher level, no disrespect to Wolfsburg.

Wimmer is an electric right-footed midfielder who can do the business in any position behind the striker. It is hard to categorise him in a single position due to the way Wolfsburg often lineup and the fluidity of their tactics. For example, against Bayern Munich in early January he was part of a midfield three, yet a few weeks prior to this game, Wimmer was playing just behind the striker in a 4-3 loss to Leverkusen. The truth is, because of his special capabilities, Wimmer has a lot of license to roam when Wolfsburg have the ball. You will often see him picking up the ball on the left, right or in the middle of the pitch. In my opinion, the Austrian is best operating off the left, where he has the luxury of cutting in onto his right foot as his ball-striking around the edge of the box is truly something to be marvelled at.

For example, in a recent game against Werder-Bremen, Wimmer picked up the ball on left hand-side, just off the touchline and proceeded to cut in glide past 2 players before smashing one into the top bins from 25 yards out - leaving the keeper paralysed. That is just one example of the sort of player we are dealing with

A dying breed in modern football. When Wimmer gets the ball, his first thought is always about creating something. He is an amazing dribbler, can go both ways and embarrass defenders with his quick feet. His passing is also top - weight of pass is always a good indicator for a talented forward and there is no doubting that Wimmer has it in abundance. 

However he can sometimes be a victim of being slightly too audacious when he’s got the ball, trying too much when it’s unnecessary or overcomplicating a simple pass. It should also be noted that his output can be improved as he currently sits on 4 goals and 4 assists in 25 appearances in all competitions which although this isn’t god awful, it can be improved on. Statistically, Wimmer’s best season came in 2022/23 where he reached 4 goals and 8 assists in 29 games and after an injury-ridden campaign last year, you could argue that he’s just now getting back into the flow of things.

Wimmer is a player that has all the raw attributes to be a top player and I believe in a better team, these attributes will be more glaring and he could shine but at 23 years of age, he’s beginning to reach peak age for an attacker so that next leap needs to be made soon. I don’t know if this will come at Wolfsburg as I believe in a faster and more direct side I think we’d see the best of the Austrian. Perhaps as a potential Semenyo replacement at Bournemouth if the winger does leave in the summer, which looks likely. 

Like many talented and raw young players, Patrick Wimmer needs the right environment and coaching around him in order for his potential to be realised but if he continues to mature and develop as a player and he gets that right move under the right coach, don’t be surprised if we are looking at one of the most exciting wingers in Europe in a couple of seasons.