Room at the top for Djourou

Switzerland are reaping the rewards of co-hosting UEFA EURO 2008™ as youngsters like Johan Djourou take the opportunity to shine in the run-up to the tournament.

Ultimate test
Arsenal FC's talented 19-year-old is one of a number of recent products of the country's excellent youth system. The experience that Djourou and his fellow tyros have gained so far will be put to the ultimate test when Switzerland take on a star-studded Brazil in a friendly in Basel on Wednesday.

London calling
Djourou came to Arsenal from Swiss second division side Etoile Carouge FC during the summer of 2004 after excelling for the national Under-17s. His early performances convinced manager Arsène Wenger to hand him a two-year contract extension. In 2005/06, he made 12 appearances and was a squad member as Arsenal marched to the UEFA Champions League final.

Senior debut
Born in the Ivory Coast, Djourou moved to Switzerland aged 17 months and became an integral part of his adopted country's youth teams, notably when the Swiss made the last four of the 2004 UEFA European U19 Championship on home soil. In March 2006, he made his senior debut against Scotland - partnering club-mate Philippe Senderos – before being included in the squad for the FIFA World Cup in Germany. He played three times at the tournament and started the last-16 defeat by Ukraine, although his contribution was curtailed by a first-half injury.

On the horizon
Djourou is now savouring the prospect of UEFA EURO 2008™ on home soil. "It's going to be a plus for us to have such a big tournament in our own country," he told uefa.com. "I hope the enthusiasm in Switzerland will be just as big as it was for the World Cup. The fans were amazing. I think we did very well in Germany, for a country like Switzerland, so we just have to try and keep on doing the same thing."

Self-belief key
The youngster, who can play in both defence and midfield, says self-belief has been a key factor in his rise. "When you're 16, you can't believe that a club like Arsenal has got an interest in you," he admitted, "especially when you're playing for a small team like Etoile Carouge. But I always believed in myself and thought I could become a footballer – I was given the chance to go to London to play for Arsenal and I took it."

Living your passion
Djourou's new-found stardom brings him great satisfaction. However, as he seeks to build on his early promise, he is determined to keep his feet on the ground and avoid becoming obsessed with the game. "When you're a pro, you obviously enjoy what you're doing," he said. "You live your passion, and you do your best to be the best. But it's important that away from the game you are able to enjoy time with your friends and family – when you have spare time, you need to relax and think about something else."