Gökhan Inler

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AUT_vs._SUI_2015-11-17_(178).jpg

Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:AUT_vs._SUI_2015-11-17_(178).jpg

For many, the obvious player that most people want to watch on the Swiss team is Xherdan Shaqiri, the Alpine Messi, because he has demonstrated that so far he is the only member capable of providing the creativity necessary to win games. However, with the emergence of Leicester City in the Barclays Premier League, another figure that should be followed is Gokhan Inler. As a defensive midfielder, Inler has been known for his off ball movements and deep playmaking ability but this season he has experienced extremely limited minutes in Leicester’s Cinderella season despite being the offseasons supposed “key signing.” Inler has stated repeatedly that he will look to redeem himself and prove his worth this summer in France by reestablishing himself as someone who can control the game. As a player, his long passing accuracy allows him to effectively and efficiently switch the play and create scoring opportunities for teammates after winning the back the ball, making him a threat to opposing teams even when he is operating deep in his own half of the pitch. This ability to create chances from afar will be a prominent factor in Switzerland’s success because it can force opposing teams to have to respond to two playmakers instead of one. By taking some of the heat off of Shaqiri it allows him to operate more comfortably and efficiently, and a free Shaqiri can wreak havoc on defenses. If Inler can step up after a lackluster season at Leicester and open up a second threat for opponents to deal with, the Swiss national team has the potential to go far in the tournament.

Other Players:

Starters:

Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimović

Midfielders: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Dimitri Payet, Robbie Keane, Arda Turan

Defenders: Jordi Alba, Vlad Chiricheș, Ashley WilliamsTaulant Xhaka

Goalkeeper: The Gianluigi Buffon

Substitutes:

Forwards: Eden HazardJakub Błaszczykowski

Midfielders: Mesut ÖzilYevhen KonoplyankaJames MilnerBalázs Dzsudzsák

References:

Ames, Nick. “Gokhan Inler here to help dogged Leicester survive Premier League.” The Guardian. 21 August 2015. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/aug/21/gokhan-inler-leicester-survival-premier-league (accessed on 29 April 2016)

Shergold, Adam. “Gokhan Inler frustrated by lack of game time during Leicester City’s stunning Premier League title challenge.” DailyMail.com. 8 March 2016. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3481692/Gokhan-Inler-frustrated-lack-game-time-Leicester-City-s-stunning-Premier-League-title-challenge.html (accessed on 29 April 2016)

 

Written By: Austin Tran and Chris Arora

 

How to cite this article: “Euro 2016 Key Players to Watch” Written by Austin Tran and Chris Arora (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/ (accessed on (date)).