Senderos ready for Premiership

By Luke Williams

As the 2002/03 UEFA European Under-17 Championship nears the semi-final stage the winning captain from last season's tournament, Switzerland's Philippe Senderos, is preparing to try and make his name in the English Premiership.

Rock in defence
The defender, now 18 years of age, was a rock in the centre of the Swiss defence last year in Denmark as his country shocked the whole of Europe by lifting the U17 crown with a penalty shoot-out victory against France. Indeed Senderos, then with Servette FC, was so impressive that the likes of Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munchen, Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC enquired about his availability.

Respect for Wenger
However towards the end of 2002 Senderos opted to join Arsenal FC in England from the start of the 2003/04 season. "I always had enormous respect for Arsène Wenger [the Arsenal manager] and wanted to work under him," Senderos said. "I like his style of play. Wenger came to Geneva to watch me play, and I made a trip to London as well. He talked to me and my father. It impressed me."

'I'll get my chance'
Arsenal were recently deposed as Premiership champions by Manchester United FC and Senderos is confident he can play a major role in their bid to regain their title next season. "Wenger told me that I'll be part of the first team - maybe not immediately in the first eleven, but at least as a substitute," he said. "The Highbury squad is going to play quite a lot of matches so there will be squad rotation and I'll get my chance."

Confident youngster
The youngster is confident that he can make the transition from Swiss league football to the Premiership, and he takes heart from the success enjoyed by his compatriot Stéphane Henchoz at Liverpool in recent years. "I am ready for the challenge, although I know how difficult it will be," he said. "It will be hard work, but I am going there to grow into a world-class player, which means putting the effort in. Stéphane is the best example of how a compatriot has succeeded in playing in the top European Leagues."

Rooney example
Senderos is not the only player from last season's U17 finals to have already made a major impact in senior football. Everton FC's Wayne Rooney, who starred for England U17s in 2002, has become a media sensation in his home country, and has already made his competitive senior international debut in a UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Turkey, helping inspire his side to a 2-0 win. Those participating in this year’s event in Portugal have a lot to live up to!