Euro 2016 Team Analysis – Switzerland

We conclude our Group A analysis this morning with a look at Switzerland. Vladimir Petkovic’s side kick off their Euro 2016 group campaign with a clash against outsiders Albania on Saturday June 11 at 2pm before squaring up to Romania (June 15 at 5pm) and hosts France, on June 19 at 8pm.

Road to Qualification

The Swiss finished as Group E runners-up behind England, winning five and losing three of their eight fixtures. Although Petkovic’s side scored 24 times, 11 of those were in two clashes against San Marino – indeed, they failed to score in any of the three matches (twice against England, once against Slovenia) that they tasted defeat.

At the back, they managed five clean sheets, though conceded twice in each of that trio of losses, which suggests they may find it a tad more difficult at both ends of the pitch against better quality opponents.

Switzerland have played five friendlies over the last 12 months. They won 3-0 against Liechtenstein in June 2015 but have since lost three of the following four, with a 2-1 triumph over Austria in the middle of losses to Slovakia (2-3), Republic of Ireland (0-1) and Bosnia (0-2).

Most Appearances Xherdan Shaqiri, Josip Drmic (9), Johan Djourou, Gokhan Inler, Stephan Lichsteiner, Ricardo Rodriguez, Yann Sommer, Granit Xhaka, Haris Seferovic, Ahmed Mehmedi (8), Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili (7), Fabian Schar (6)

Most goals Xherdan Shaqiri (4), Josip Drmic, Haris Seferovic (3), Fabian Schar (2)

Most assists Xherdan Shaqiri (5), Breel Embolo (3), Josip Drmic (2)

The Key Targets

Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri made the most convincing case for consideration over the qualifiers. Likely to be stationed on the right of a 4-2-3-1 by Petkovic, the Potters’ playmaker started more matches than any Swiss player and also leads the way for goals and assists, with four and five respectively. Delving into the underlying data, Shaqiri sat first and second in the Swiss squad for key passes and efforts on goal respectively, though is priced at a steep 8.0 in the Uefa game and, somewhat frustratingly, classified as a forward. Shaqiri’s crosses from out wide will heighten his Draft Kings appeal, whilst he also has a share of corner kick and dead-ball duties. Indeed, the Swiss scored more goals (seven) from corners than any side during qualifying.

Granit Xhaka (7.0 in Uefa) is expected to line up in the attacking midfield three positions alongside Shaqiri. The new Arsenal signing offers a threat from long-range but failed to find the net over qualifying – Xhaka may be better suited to Draft Kings, where his tackles and interceptions will pick up the points.

At the back, that 50% clean sheet record in the qualifiers isn’t overly convincing, though Ricardo Rodriguez could more than atone for that lack of resilience. Granted, he’s the priciest defender in the Swiss squad at 6.0 but the left-back boasts a significant goal threat and provides a steady source of crosses from out wide. The Wolfsburg man – who bagged two goals and three assists in the Bundesliga in 2015/16 – also shares dead-ball duties with Shaqiri.

Up top, Haris Seferovic started seven matches over the qualifiers and is favourite to lead the line with Josip Drmic ruled out after undergoing knee surgery. Although he’s failed to impress domestically and scored just three times in last year’s Bundesliga, Seferovic – priced at 6.5 in the Uefa game – produced more attempts than any team-mate in qualifying and found the net on three occasions.

The Long Shots

Johan Djourou may appeal to those on the lookout for a budget defender (5.0) in the Uefa game. The former Arsenal man started eight matches at centre-half and should pick up Draft Kings points for successful tackles and interceptions, though mustered a mere two attempts over the qualifiers.

Elsewhere in defence, Juventus’ Stephan Lichstiener (5.5) offers a similar security of starts as fellow full-back Rodriguez but offers little attacking potential down the right. Fabian Schar isn’t quite so nailed-on at centre-half but, at 5.5, has an excellent scoring record at international level – the Hoffenheim man has netted five times in 19 appearances for the Swiss senior side, including two strikes during the qualifiers.

Admir Mehmedi (6.0, classified as a forward in Uefa) is likely to take up the left flank role in a 4-2-3-1 but could be benched if Petkovic opts for Valon Behrami (6.0 in Uefa) on the flank in a 4-4-2. The latter offers minimal goal threat, though his defensive stats could be handy in Draft Kings – he’s top for successful tackles and joint-second when it comes to interceptions.

Upcoming Friendlies

Switzerland vs Belgium (May 28), Switzerland vs Moldova (June 3)

Further Analysis

Group A – Albania, France, Romania