Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri's selection for the 2010 World Cup at the tender age of 18 offered conclusive proof that he has a big future in both the national and domestic game.
He moved to FC Basel in 2001 and worked his way through the youth teams before making his debut for the first-team in 2009. At the end of his first season, Shaqiri had cemented his place in the side and won the national Double with Basel; a year later won League Championship title again to high acclaim.
Shaqiri also made waves with the national side and, while he was called up to the 2010 World Cup squad, his best moment came a year later as he netted a hat-trick to help Switzerland come from behind to defeat Bulgaria 3-1. A move to a big European club is not far away.
Strengths: Versatile and creative, he can provide goals from the wide areas or the middle and has a great shot.
Weaknesses: His work-rate and committment can go down when his team are struggling.
Career high: Setting up two goals to beat Man Utd 2-1 and secure a place in the Champions League last-16 for the first time in 2011.
Career low: Missing out on Euro 2012 after finishing just a point behind Montenegro.
Style: Stocky, incisive, accurate, a classy creative midfielder.
Quotes: "It's a pleasure to watch him play because he exudes passion for football. He is already a very competent player; technically very good but also very strong physically." Peter Knabel, technical director for the Swiss Football Association and former head of youth at Basel, 2011.
Trivia: He was born in Kosovo to Albanian parents and after they immigrated to Basel, he can now play for Switzerland.
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