Player Focus: Drmic Sure to Attract Interest for the Swiss this Summer
When Switzerland emerged as a top seed in the World Cup draw most were praying to be in the group with Ottmar Hitzfeld's side. It was France whose calls were answered, and with Ecuador and Honduras completing group E some will be suggesting les Bleus, who only booked their flights to Brazil via a qualifier with Ukraine, have been handed a free pass to the knockout stages.
The Swiss have reason to be confident themselves, however, with a number of standout performers in Europe's top 5 leagues this season, and the Europeans are one of the underrated emerging nations in world football. There's a mixture of promising youth and invaluable experience running through the side.
In goal they can choose between the seasoned Diego Benaglio and Gladbach-bound Yann Sommer, while in defence prospects such as Fabian Schar and Ricardo Rodriguez are joined by the likes of Stephan Lichtsteiner. The options are strong in midfield too, with the Napoli trio of Inler, Dzemaili and Behrami joined by youngster Granit Xhaqa, while star asset Xhedran Shaqiri offers real quality on the opposite flank to Tranquilo Barnetta.
It's up front where they may have looked a little short since the international retirements of all time top scorer Alexander Frei and Marco Streller. That, however, may well be about to change.
It's in the Bundesliga, where so many young talents seem to come to the fore, that Switzerland have their attacking hopes pinned. Second striker Ahmed Mehmedi is coming into the summer in impressive form, with 8 goals and 4 assists in the league earning the 23-year old a rating of 7.27. However, it's the goalscoring exploits of Nurnberg's Josip Drmic that are most enthusing for the Swiss fans.
At just 21 the striker, who can also play out wide or in support of a lone front man, has started 23 Bundesliga matches in his debut season in Germany, notching 15 goals - the fourth most in the division. With the World Cup fast approaching the youngster is in red hot form and may well be the focus of a number of scouts in Brazil.
Arsenal are one of the sides that are reported to have taken up an interest, while there are plenty of suitors aiming to keep the fast forward in Germany. It's little surprise given that since the turn of the year only Lionel Messi (14), Daniel Sturridge (11) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (10) have scored more league goals. Drmic's record of 9 in 10 appearances is equal to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The speed with which he has settled in Germany has been aided in no small part to his own pace. While he's adept in a number of positions Drmic's ability to play off the last man and get in behind opposing defences makes him a real threat.
From there his unerring finishing has been a revelation and looks likely to keep Nurnberg in the top-flight. That much would be a huge relief to the club, as a release clause of just €3.5m can be triggered if they were to drop into Bundesliga II.
Of the 16 players to have netted at least 10 goals in the Bundesliga this season Drmic has the best conversion rate, with a magnificent 30%. In a league that boasts some of the best finishers in Europe, including Robert Lewandowski and Mario Mandzukic, that much is mightily impressive. Said conversion rate is bettered by just three of the 77 players to have registered double figures in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season, so Switzerland's attacking issues look to have been resolved.
Ottmar Hitzfeld's side have been handed a favourable group and could certainly finish above an inconsistent France. While the likes of Belgium and Colombia have been tipped as dark horses for the tournament this summer, if there's a true underdog in with a fighting chance it may well be Switzerland.
They'd need Drmic's flying form to continue over the coming months to challenge in the latter stages, and an eye-catching performance on a personal level may well see the 21-year old secure a move to a big club thereafter.
Where do you think Drmic will end up after the World Cup this summer? Let us know in the comments below
Whoscored always produces sth "unpopular" which appeals to me. The quality he displayed as of late might well be too much for a club that is fighting for survival to preserve. Of course I'll say Nurnberg will stay up in terms of their quality, and they could well be ready to let Drmic go in exchange of a large sum of money. I believe they still can work well.
Excellent article on a player I have had my eye on since last year.....was curious to see if Wenger would pull the trigger in January. His pace and finishing have been a real revelation and this WC will definitely put him on the world stage.
Raffael, sure to NOT attract attention for the Brazilian this summer