Switzerland is set for its Euro 2024 campaign. They had pulled through the qualification stages thanks to draws against Kosovo and Israel. They’ll go into the tournament with quality stars in their bosoms. In the name of Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Vargas and Zeki Amdouni.
Their Coach Murat Yakin has also once featured in the Euro Tournament as a player in 2004. Now he’ll have the pleasure of appearing 20 years later, this time as a coach.
Switzerland is drawn in a group of the host nations Germany, along with Scotland, and Hungary. They’ll start their campaign against Hungary. And Hopefully, Murat Yakin’s side will grind out an important point.
Who is Switzerland’s Coach?
Murat Yakin has played for his country at EURO 2004. The Switzerland coach now has the opportunity to return to the tournament this time as a coach. He has proven his ability after impressing in charge of different teams in Switzerland.
Yakin clinched two Swiss League titles with Basel. He also acquired some experience abroad during his time at a Russian side Spartak Moskva. After he got the Switzerland coaching job in August 2021.
From there he helped his side through to the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup. However, they were knocked out by Portugal, in a big loss.
Switzerland Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers
Yann Sommer (Inter), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
Defenders
Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Silvan Widmer (Mainz 05), Cedric Zesigner (Wolfsburg), Leonidas Stergiou (Stuttgart)
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Denis Zakaria (Monaco), Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Fabian Rieder (Rennes), Ardon Jashari (Luzern), Vincent Sierro (Toulouse)
Forwards
Breel Embolo (Monaco), Steven Zuber (AEK Athens), Ruben Vargas (Augsburg), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Noah Okafor (AC Milan), Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Dan Ndoye (Bologna), Kwadwo Duah (Ludogorets).
Key Player
Switzerland’s captain Granit Xhaka is the most capped player in the team. He will go into this tournament with strong confidence. Especially after his Club Bayer Leverkusen had achieved an insane feat. Where he also played a key part.
The captain and midfield star influence his team by not bringing leadership qualities. He also in grain into his team a strong mentality. Skill-wise he possesses excellent vision and a sublime passing range. He is positioned at the heart of midfield. Which allows his teammates to align and connect with the right rhythm.
Xherdan Shaqiri is also a key player in the Switzerland team. He is a player who has been experienced in different leagues and clubs. With his height, unique stature, and skill he has been deemed as the Swiss Messi. He possesses a wide range of technical abilities and tricks up his sleeves.
The Swiss star is known for long and short-range curlers. Alongside this Fabulous crossing abilities, garnished with his sumptuous footwork. No doubt he is a player Switzerland will want to lean on in the Journey of this tournament.
Talents to Lookout for
Ruben Vargas is a 25-year-old, that is highly talented. He has morphed into something special for Switzerland. He scored two crucial headers in qualifying draws against Israel and Kosovo to clinch their finals spot.
Euro 2024 will be the third major tournament for the winger. He is known for his skill and footwork on the ball. Alongside this is his ability in on one against keepers. Making him a big goal threat.
Manuel Akanji is a worthy talent to look out for. The Man City star played a crucial role in City’s defense, as they Clinched their 4th title in a row. He will now have the opportunity to replicate the same effort for his Country.
Coach Murat Yakin Zeki Amdouni and Denis Zakaria
Murat Yakin expressed his view on his players, “(Amdouni)doesn’t get fazed. He’s a young striker who has amazing drive with and without the ball. He is just easygoing. You can see that he likes to play football. It reminds me a bit of street football. You give him the ball and he is goal-oriented. He is hungry for goals but still very team-oriented.
He also spoke about Denis Zakaria “[Zakaria] was also able to take a relatively early step into professional football. He has that drive. He is very athletic. Unfortunately, he was injured a lot. But we can see that once he is back to his strengths, he has rhythm. He is very valuable in the center and midfield. He is an instigator who wins tackles.
“It starts with having a good education. We give the younger players the possibility relatively early to get integrated. A big advantage is also that we in Switzerland don’t have the same pressure of expectation as the top leagues.
“We can throw [younger players] in the deep end so that they gain experience at 17 or 18. We have some good and talented players. They can get through that experience relatively early and that’s a huge advantage”
On the Value of Final Tournament Experience
Murat Yakin expressed the importance of the Euro tournament. “Expectations are, of course, always high. We have top players in top leagues. I think that in the end, we will do what we know. They are very adaptable and therefore the progress is there.
“We have a lot of experience in our team with players that have over 100 caps. We also have younger players that we have integrated for this tournament, and during the qualifiers which is even better, so that we don’t get surprised if something happens and the team gets a little tight or limited in some areas. I think we have a great mix there.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
