ERIC SMITH NEWS

Nets goal Smith scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Borussia Dortmund. In addition, he was given a yellow card in...

Impact Smith found himself on the scoresheet for the season time in his St Pauli career in the Bundesliga, helping give the team the draw vs BVB. Despite being a center back, he has been able to contribute offensively, with 28 chances created, 24 shots (none on target) while scoring and assists once through 32 games last season, displaying his versatility and dynamic style of play since 2024.

AUGUST 25 • ROTOWIRE

Busy in midfield and defense Smith made 32 starts in the Bundesliga, splitting time between center-back and central midfield.

Impact Smith opened the season as a consistent piece of the starting XI in a back-three, before injuries forced him further up the pitch into midfield. He was solid in both roles, though he offers little upside in either position. Smith will remain a major starter next season, though the hope will be for him to spend a full season in his natural role at center-back.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Assists late equalizer Smith assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Monchengladbach.

Impact Smith assisted Oladapo Afolayan in the 85th minute to help his side come from behind to secure a point. This was his first assist of the season, and he created three chances for only the second time this season.

APRIL 7 • ROTOWIRE

Seven crosses Sunday Smith had one shot (zero on goal), seven crosses (three accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-0 loss versus RB Leipzig.

Impact Smith sent in plenty of volume throughout Sunday's loss, especially after Willi Orban was sent off. The defender remains a creative option, though he isn't necessarily getting as many chances with St. Pauli behind the ball so often. Against weaker opponents Smith has the chance to be a more threatening attacking piece.

FEBRUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Suspension cleared Smith completed his one-game suspension and will be eligible to face Augsburg on Saturday.

Impact Smith missed the 3-0 win against Union Berlin due to suspension but is expected to return to the starting lineup in the back three on Saturday.

JANUARY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Suspended next weekend Smith was shown his fifth yellow card of the season during Saturday's 2-0 win over Heidenheim.

Impact Smith was shown the card in the 70th minute, but helped St. Pauli close out Saturday's clean sheet. The defender will miss next week's match against Union Berlin through suspension.

JANUARY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Smith (calf) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Frankfurt.

Impact Smith has found his way back to the team sheet after picking up a training injury over the break. He immediately sees the start and will likely continue in this role now that he is fit, only missing one start all season.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Injured in training Smith left Thursday's training session early due to calf muscle issues and is considered questionable for Saturday's match against Stuttgart, coach Alexander Blessin confirmed duri...

Impact Smith has started all 14 matches for St. Pauli this season. If unavailable, it would be a significant loss, potentially leading to a shift to a back four, according to coach Alexander Blessin during the press conference. Smith has contributed one goal, 64 crosses, and 46 clearances, playing a key role in four clean sheets this season.

DECEMBER 20, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting at Gladbach Smith (thigh) is in the starting XI for Sunday's trip to Gladbach.

Impact Smith is good to go after dealing with a thigh injury over the international break. The defender has started every match this season for St. Pauli, a streak that continues Sunday.

NOVEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ramps up training Smith was sprinting with the ball Monday, Hamburger Abendblatt reports.

Impact Smith was back on the training ground during Monday's clash and was sprinting with the ball. The defender is still hoping to return after the international break, and if he can continue to ramp up his workload he could be back as soon as a Sunday trip to Gladbach.

NOVEMBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Targeting return after break Smith (thigh) is targeting a return after the break, BILD reports.

Impact Smith picked up the thigh injury against Bayern Munich before the break, forcing him to the sideline. The break came at a lucky time for the defender though, as he now should have time to recover before a Nov. 24 clash with Gladbach.

NOVEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Extends contract Smith has signed a contract extension with St. Pauli, according to his club.

Impact Smith looks to be sticking around St. Pauli for the next few seasons, inking an extension for an undisclosed period. He has started in all seven matches this campaign and will look to continue in that role moving forward following his extension.

OCTOBER 21, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Nets first Bundesliga goal Smith scored a goal while taking two shots (both on goal), crossing twice (one accurate) and making three interceptions during Friday's 2-1 loss to Dortmund.

Impact Smith found the back of the net in the 78th minute scoring St. Pauli's lone goal while leading the team in both crosses and interceptions. The goal was the first in the Bundesliga for the defender who ahs combined for four tackles, five interceptions and 15 clearances over his last three starts.

OCTOBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Starting vs. Dortmund Smith (groin) is in the starting lineup to face Dortmund on Friday.

Impact Smith was deemed ready to go for this contest, so it's not surprising to see him back in the XI, as he'd gone the full 90 in all but one of his previous appearances this term.

OCTOBER 18, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Ready to go Friday Smith (groin) is fully fit and available for Saturday's clash with Dortmund, according to manager Alexander Blessin.

Impact Smith has recovered from the groin issue that held him out throughout the international break and is now ready to return. The defender should slot straight back into the starting XI if he's fit, after going the full 90 in all but one match to start the season.

OCTOBER 17, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't join Sweden for break Smith has suffered a muscle problem in his groin that has forced him out of international duty with Sweden during the break, according to his club.

Impact Smith has withdrawn from international duty, with the defender prioritizing his health after feeling muscular pain in his adductor. It appears to be more of a minor issue and a cautious approach following a busy early-season schedule. That said, he will look for a return following the international break when facing Dortmund on Oct. 18.

OCTOBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared for starting XI Smith (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Augsburg.

Impact Smith is good to go after leaving St. Pauli's previous match against Union Berlin with a knock. The defender makes his third consecutive start to begin his Bundesliga career Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Avoids serious injury Smith (undisclosed) avoided a serious injury, St. Pauli announced.

Impact Smith didn't suffer any sort of serious injury. The defender will have the international break to recover before a Sept. 15 trip to Augsburg. If all goes to plan Smith should be back and fully available for that match against Augsburg.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off Smith was forced off due to injury during the first half of Friday's clash with Union Berlin.

Impact Smith made it 40 minutes before being forced off and replaced by Adam Dzwigala. The injury to Smith is a major concern for the team, as he's a constant in the starting XI. Smith will have the international break to try and recover from the injury.

AUGUST 30, 2024 • ROTOWIRE