World Cup 2022 – Squad Preview: Switzerland

Murat Yakin has announced his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar. The European side are hoping to break through a mental barrier by progressing to at least a quarter-final for the first time since 1954.  

The squad has seen slight tweaks since Russia, but generally it is much the same. There is a collective feel to their side which makes them difficult to play against. There some question marks over certain positions though.  

Interestingly they have selected four goalkeepers. Of these, Jann Sommer of Borussia Monchengladbach is the undisputed number one. The back-ups of Phillip Kohn, Jonas Omlin and Gregor Kobel are all highly rated, but inexperienced.

Defence is generally the most settled aspect of the side. Fabian Schar has been part of Newcastle United’s strong season and he will likely be partnered by Nico Elvedi of Borussia Monchengladbach. Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji has also impressed to provide competition. Sylvan Widner of Mainz 05 and Ricardo Rodriguez of Torino filling in on both sides. Kevin Mbabu has been left out due to poor recent form.

Midfield is where there is the greatest level of competition for the Swiss. Granit Xhaka generally plays more of a holding role for table topping Arsenal. He is equally as adapt in that position or further up for the national side.

Romo Freuler could be asked to partner him in the centre. Another veteran in Xherdan Shaqiri now in the US could employed in more of a free role with Djibril Sow of Eintracht Frankfurt tasked with most of the running. Denis Zakaria and Fabian Frei will be waiting to be called upon should the occasion demand it.

Up front has been an issue however. The lack of a consistent striker has been their Achilles heel in recent games. Either Haris Seferovic on loan to Galatasaray or Breel Embulo of Monaco have generally been used as a lone striker backed up by others. Reuben Vargas from Augsburg usually being the support.

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Philipp Kohn (Red Bull Salzburg), Jonas Omlin (Montpellier), Yann Sommer (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Rodriguez (Torino), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Sylvan Widmer (Mainz 05)

Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Bologna), Edimilson Fernandes (Mainz 05), Fabian Frei (Basel), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest), Ardon Jashari (Luzern), Noah Okafor (Red Bull Salzburg), Fabian Rieder (Young Boys), Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire), Djibril Sow (Eintracht Frankfurt), Renato Steffen (Lugano), Granit Xhaka (Arsenal), Denis Zakaria (Chelsea)

Forwards: Breel Embolo (Monaco), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Haris Seferovic (Galatasaray), Reuben Vargas (FC Augsburg)