Eggimann leaps into Swiss contention

Mario Eggimann may yet earn a starting place in Switzerland's UEFA EURO 2008™ squad after impressing in the centre of defence with Germany's Karlsruher SC.

'Real strides'
Swiss television station SF recently asked viewers to vote online for their ideal first XI for the national team, and surprisingly, the 26-year-old Karlsruhe captain appeared alongside Arsenal FC's Philippe Senderos in the centre of defence. However, that was no shock to his club coach Edmund Becker, who said: "Mario has made real strides this season. He has really improved in building moves, avoiding unnecessary fouls and his defensive headers."

Useful qualities
Reports have linked the defender with a move to BV Borussia Dortmund, not least as his three goals this season make him the most dangerous player in his position in the Bundesliga. Given the problems Switzerland have in finding goals from any position in international games and the long-term absence of established central defender Patrick Müller, it seems that Eggimann has many qualities national team coach Jakob Kuhn would admire.

Quiet captain
Born in Brugg in the northern Aargau canton, Eggimann has been with Karlsruhe since 2002, spending four seasons in the second division before earning promotion last term, with his header at FC Hansa Rostock on April 23, 2007 effectively securing their return to the Bundesliga. The tall Eggimann has excelled as club captain, although he admitted he is not a man of many words, saying: "It's not really important what you say but what happens on the pitch."

'We have potential'
With Eggimann leading by example, Karslruhe are sixth in the Bundesliga after 17 games, and with a European place for next season in sight, it will take some persuading to make him move elsewhere. "We have potential, so it won't be easy to just leave," he said, adding: "Karlsruhe is my absolute priority." However, fans back at home are hoping that Eggimann might be persuaded to focus on the national team this summer after some encouraging displays.

Due a break
Eggimann made the first of three international appearances last September, with Kuhn saying: "I've known Mario a long time and know exactly what I have with him." It remains to be seen whether the father-to-be can usurp Johan Djourou's position before the finals, but having missed out on a place at the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Germany with a toe injury, Eggimann feels the fates owe him a break. "Maybe the football gods can make up for that," he said.