With snow starting to fall in Europe as Christmas edges closer; one of the most beautiful cities in the world; Vienna, comes alive.
The old-world charm of the streets, the architecture glistening under the twinkling lights make for quite the sight – Especially if you’re a young Australian footballer, living in the city and trying to establish yourself
Tristan Hammond is a name within the Australian football community, that many had hoped would be the country’s next big thing – progress has not been as fast, as all would’ve liked though.
Tristan Hammond has officially signed for 24 time Austrian champions Austria Wien ???????????? pic.twitter.com/j8WOo1sJl0
— Ftbl.Scout Australia (@AustralianScout) August 6, 2021
Hammond was born in Sydney and lived in the city’s western suburb of Edensor Park.
His talent was spotted at a very young age, while playing for one of Australia’s most historic clubs; Marconi Stallions – who have produced countless professional Australian players over the years.
Hammond is capable of playing anywhere across the front third, the attacking midfield spot may be the best position for his career though.
Although he doesn’t possess the trickery to leave defenders bamboozled, his unpredictability and creativity have been major strengths since his junior days in Australia.
Hammond is capable of receiving the ball in tight spaces and being elusive enough to wiggle out of danger and start an attack.
He is also very good in one-on-one situations and loves running at the opposition, where he can drop the shoulder and use his deceptive pace to fly past defenders
Hammond’s mother relocated to Portugal when Tristan was just 11. His technical ability quickly earned the talented teen a contract with Belenenses’s academy side.
Belenenses are a small club in Portugal, but they have had a number of notable young players and coaches come through the club – Freddy Adu, Jose Mourinho and Beto to name just a few
They are also the feeder club for one of Portugal’s biggest teams, that has fans all over the world: Sporting Lisbon.
Sporting Lisbon has always been known as a club to play young talented players; they have a host of players who were on their books at one point in time – including Cristiano Ronaldo – playing in all the big European leagues currently
Hammond spent several years with the Lions, but trying to get past other talented players competing for the same attacking positions; – proved to be a hill too hard to climb.
With his contract starting to run down, Sporting Lisbon sold the player to Austria Wien in august of 2021.
Swapping the warmth of Europe’s south for the cold of its west has been a culture shock, for the now 18-year-old former prodigy.
Austria Wien have purchased the player with an eye for the future and not the present – Hammond has been playing for their second team.
The reserves are having a disastrous season in the Erste Liga sitting only 4 points off the bottom spot.
Tristan has been one of the side’s most consistent performers though, having played in 10 matches and scoring 2 goals.
The young Australian will need to keep his form up, if he hopes to break into the senior team – which is struggling to score, create goals and currently sit sixth in the league.
While Hammond fights for his club position in Vienna, it looks like the player has finally decided which national team to commit to.
18-year-old forward Tristan Hammond has signed with Austria Wien from Sporting Lisbon ???????????? pic.twitter.com/qAhemYMOHv
— Daily Oz Football (@dailyozfootball) August 6, 2021
Peru have heavily been trying to recruit Tristan and his younger brother Ayden, to play for the country of his mother’s birth.
However, both brothers have always felt an affinity to their country of birth, and have declared to represent for the green and gold of Australia.
But right now, the sole focus is trying to push his way into Austria Wien’s Bundesliga side.
The club’s management are said to be happy with how the player is progressing and have repeated their stance, that they see him as a first team player; once he has acclimatised to life in Vienna.
Tristan Hammond may not have the same patience as the club’s hierarchy though – He is already 5 months into his 2-year deal.
Under the dazzling lights of Vienna’s winter wonderland, Hammond is hopeful of not becoming the next Australian wonderkid that never makes it in Europe
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Sky Blues took the lead at home but couldn't hold on as the Mariners came back to claim a 2-1 win in the first leg of the semifinal.
A fresh punishment was imposed after the club failed to comply with profitability and sustainability rules during the three-year cycle to 2022-23.
The two spot kicks levelled the score on aggregate over the two legs, but Bayer Leverkusen then scored two late goals for a draw…
Just four teams remain in the hunt for the 2023/24 A-League Championship and the action will be intense in the opening legs of the…
Bayern Munich led 1-nil at the 87th minute mark until the Spaniard's two goals.
Alphonso Davies looked to have undone all his hard work of scoring the first goal when the ball went into his own net off…
