Challenge League player in the U21 national team: Switzerland has a problem at fullback

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As you get older, you often go further and further back in amateur football. If you were a lightning-fast winger or a strong puncher in the center as a teenager, then as a senior you often have to play fullback. Because there is no longer enough air. And there are usually still places available at the back, on the wings.

This is often the case in professional football. Nothing against Ricardo Rodriguez (31). But the Torino loanee would hardly have made more than 100 international appearances had he had a serious competitor at left full-back. Germany became world champions in 2014. With Schalke central defender Benedikt Höwedes (35) on the left. And most recently, when Dortmund centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck played at wing-back, they lost 4-1 to Japan.

A look at the U21 makes the problems visible

The Swiss national team dropped out of the tournament at the World Cup in Qatar partly because right wing defender Silvan Widmer (30) was unavailable. A look at the current U21 selection also reveals the problems. On Tuesday, in the European Championship qualifier against Finland, ex-FCZ defender Becir Omeragic (21), also a central defender, is expected to play on the left. FCL professional Severin Ottiger (20) will probably play on the right. Two Challenge League players, Zachary Athekame (18, Xamax) and Nando Zimmermann (21, Bellinzona), are available as alternatives.

Nati coach S Tauch has recognized the problem

Sascha S Tauch (49), the new coach of the U21 national team, acknowledged the problem in May. At the time, he was still national coach of the U17s, he said in an interview with the Swiss football platform Bolzplazz: “There is not a large reservoir of talent in the full-back positions throughout Switzerland, that is true. Especially left rear. In the U21s, trained central defenders often play on the defensive flanks. Everyone would like to have a strong left back in their team, according to S Tauch. “But these players are hard to find. But that does not necessarily have to be a disadvantage. It is important to be creative and find combinations that suit the available players.”

Creativity is also required tonight. The Swiss U21 national team will then play against Finland in the European Championship qualifiers at 5 p.m.

Source : Blick