Wales will open Euro 2020 against Switzerland at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan but who should Wales watch out for.
Hare are five players that Rob Page and his players will have to keep an eye on if they are to secure a opening round victory.
Mario Gavranovic – Forward
The Dinamo Zagreb forward netted a hat trick in Switzerland’s recent friendly international against Liechtenstein. With 154 goals across his 404 appearances the forward has an impressive strike rate. A danger in and around the six yard box the 31 year old has a keen eye for goal. Wales will need to be sharpe at the back to stop Gavranovic from getting to loose balls in the Welsh box.
He can score with both feet as well as being a danger in the air.
Having just had his best scoring season of his career with 19 goals in 40 appearances he comes into the Euro’s with form and confidence. He has vast experience and has played in Germany, Switzerland and Croatia.
Ruben Vargas – Midfield
Likely to start on the bench but a player who could change the game for the Swiss. A pacey wide midfielder who likes to get into the box, he could prove the difference against tried Welsh defenders.
He has the ability to find the net cutting in the box from wide positions.
The Augsburg player netted six Bundesliga goals with three assists across 30 games. The 22 year has 11 caps so far for his county but could prove to be a surprise star in Euro 2020.
Haris Seferovic – Forward
Used as a sub for Gavranovic in Switzerland’s recent matches. The Benfica forward netted the winner in a 3-2 win over Finland. Another likely to be used from the bench either for Gavranovic or as a two if chasing the game.
Similar style of player to Gavranovic, with a keen eye for goal and liking to be in and around the six yard box. Quick and powerful he will give Welsh defenders a tough game.
Another in fine form having scored 22 goals and getting seven assists for Benfica as they finished third in Primeira Liga.
Ricardo Rodriguez – Defender
The Torino defender could either play as a centre back as art of three or more likely on the left at wing back.
He has the ability to get forward out wide and provide crosses for the Swiss forwards. His pinpoint crosses could cause Wales problems with Switzerland’s talented forwards in the air. He has a keen eye for a pass that could find others in dangerous positions and is also strong when defending with a solid tackle and good positioning. The 28-year-old has played in some of Europe’s top leagues with spells at Wolfsburg, AC Milan, and Torino.
Embed from Getty ImagesRemo Freuler – Midfield
The 29 year old Atalanta midfielder has the ability to unlock defences with his keen eye and quality passes. He will be key for the Swiss in transition from defence to attack. Wales will need to keep Freuler quiet to win the midfield battle.
Freuler scored twice and got three assists as Atalanta finished third in this season Serie A. A midfielder similar to Aaron Ramsey. He likes to shoot around the edge of the area with a good eye for the target. He can also play the ball behind defensive lines to create openings for others.
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