Final Squad Analysis – Hitzfeld Decides

Ottmar Hitzfeld elected to name his final 23-man squad two weeks earlier than the 1st June deadline set by FIFA, choosing to name seven players in reserve in preference to trimming the squad for deadline day. A shock inclusion was that of 18 year-old Basle midfielder, Xherdan Shaquiri, whose span of international football totals 45 minutes. Arsenal youngster, Johann Djourou failed to make the cut following his recent return from a long-term knee injury, and further injuries have impacted on Hitzfeld’s squad as the finals draw closer.

Hitzfeld had selection problems
 

 

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg) Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich) Marco Woelfli (Young Boys)

Switzerland boasts one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe in Diego Benaglio. The Wolfsburg stopper is a key figure in the side and will need to be on top form to shut out attack minded group H opponents, particularly Spain and Chile. The back-up keepers are both astute and capable replacements; however neither has substantial international experience under his belt. Woelfli is the likely no.2 and stepped in for Benaglio in the World Cup Qualifier against Israel, impressing on his way to keeping a clean sheet.
 

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio) Stephane Grichting (Auxerre) Steve von Bergen (Hertha Berlin) Philippe Senderos (Arsenal) Mario Eggimann (Hannover) Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria) Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)
 
The defenders list is minus two integral players, Johann Djourou and Christoph Spycher. The experienced Spycher had been expected to be the first choice left-back, but suffered a knee injury in the build up to the finals and subsequently retired from international football. This opened the door for the surprisingly excluded Ludovic Magnin to join the 23 man squad; he will battle with in-form Reto Ziegler for a starting place. Stephan Lichtsteiner has established himself as a worthy starter at right-back and will look to utilise his pace to assist in the attacking third. Both wings of the defence display attacking intent and this feature may prove decisive for unlocking stubborn backlines in South Africa. Philippe Senderos and Stephane Grichting appear to be the first choice centre back pairing, with Hitzfeld putting his faith in these two since the absence of Djourou.

 

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham) Gokhan Inler (Udinese) Benjamin Huggel (Basle) Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne) Xherdan Shaqiri (Basle) Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt) Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen) Marco Padalino (Sampdoria) Hakan Yakin (Lucerne)

The leading light in midfield is left winger Barnetta, the creative source in the team. On the other flank is West Ham’s versatile Behrami, who works incredibly hard for the team and is technically very gifted. He has given the nation a scare however, limping out of the recent friendly against Italy with a tight hamstring. Marco Padalino would replace Behrami on the right-hand side and has on occasions shown great quality for the national side.

 

Will Behrami be fit for the opening game? 

Hitzfeld prefers the centre midfield partnership of Inler and Huggel, with both possessing defensive and attacking qualities, their combination is effective. Gelson Fernandes will be standing by to fill in either central midfield role. The squad has its dose of youthful enthusiasm in the form of Schwegler and Shaqiri, who will unlikely feature prominently but can gain valuable experience for their blossoming careers. Finally, the most well known of the midfield list, Hakan Yakin. Hitzfeld’s trump card, Yakin’s versatility and attacking flair enable him to be utilised as an attacking midfielder or as a striker, he could have a pivotal role to play this summer.
 

Forwards

Alex Frei (Basle) Blaise Nkufo (FC Twente) Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen) Albert Bunjaku (Nuremburg)

The loss of Marco Streller through injury is a disappointment, however, with captain and all-time top scorer, Alex Frei leading the line they hold a permanent nuisance in the opposing penalty box. Likely to be partnered by the veteran Nkufo, the often bemoaned, attack shy Swiss may have a formula that belies this stance. The young Derdiyok will wait his turn, providing Hitzfeld with an alternative option with his great aerial threat his strength. Bunjaku was called up to replace Streller, the more experienced striker got the nod ahead of the highly rated 18 year-old forward Nassim Ben Khalifa.