Shaqiri, Xhaka, Frei: Basel's Golden Generation is Only Getting Started

by Stefan Kelly, World Soccer Scout

Last night's 3-3 draw with Manchester United signalled the typically patronising comments directed at the Swiss club that are supposedly out of their depth. Yes it was a surprisingly good performance, but not just because there a much smaller club but also because this could very well mean they are a lot closer to that level than we originally thought. In fact Basel's system of blending youth in with experience can only be compared to United rather than contrasted.

They have undoubtedly the best youth system in Switzerland and one of the best in Europe for that matter, and this current generation of players making the transition to the first team are an example of how good they are at it. In total, 13 of their current squad of 27 are results of their own academy. They are without question in the same league as Ajax when it comes to nurturing talent. Just years ago we were watching as Gokhan Inler and Felipe Caicedo pass through this famous youth system. 

But now, it seems to be that the homegrown talent in Basel is for the most part coming from one region, Kosovo. I know it seems a strange idea at first, but Swiss players with Kosovan roots are all the rage at this club. This crop of players has a huge amount of talent, but as always, there is one that stands out from the pack. Xherdan Shaqiri is just 19 years old but is already widely renowned as one of Europe's hottest talents. He has pace, skill, leadership, and he knows how to score a bloody good goal. It's hard to believe we still have 15 years left at least of this man's career and I'm prepared to embrace it to the best of my abilities. This young man can only be described as a joy to watch. His directness strikes fear into the heart of defenders and his fearlessness is what makes him so successful for Basel and Switzerland. Comfortable in a wide range of attacking positions, he is most lethal on either wing. His cultured left foot makes him a constant threat from distance too. 

First announcing himself to Europe as a whole when he arrived on for Switzerland against England in 2010. He preceded to take the game to England in the final stages and inevitably, scoring an absolute screamer. The hype developed from there and by the time this summer's Euro U21's came around, a lot was expected of the young man tearing the Swiss league to pieces. And he delivered, of course. You did feel for him during the final where you could see his desire to win against a special Spanish team. 

Just earlier this month, Shaqiri had an international performance to end all international performances. Switzerland faced a potentially tough EURO 2012 qualifier at home to Bulgaria. Any chance of dropping points was gone from an early stage as Shaqiri tore the defence to pieces. FT Switzerland 3-1 Bulgaria. Shaqiri hat-trick.

However, Basel and Switzerland are not just placing all hope for the future on this magical talent already capable of the spectacular. Another Basel future star with arguably just as much potential is Shaqiri's team mate Granit Xhaka. Aged 19, Xhaka is another with Albanian blood running through his veins.

Xhaka, who's older brother Taulant (20) is also breaking through at Basel, is an athletic playmaker who has drawn comparison after comparison whether that be to Zidane or Maradona. Granit Xhaka comes with his complications, however, and Basel manager Thorsten Fink knows this all too well. Although having the name of a rock, Xhaka is anything but. He has been at Basel since the age of 10, similar to Shaqiri, and has graduated through many of the club's youth sides before eventually cementing a first team place. Along the way, he has grown a reputation for being very injury-prone. To such an extent, Fink has to be extremely careful in the way he handles Xhaka. If he doesn't, there is nothing stopping him from becoming one of the Hargreaves-style casualties of football in the latter stages of his career. Being involved in national u21 and senior set up's this summer, Xhaka is in danger of burn out but has gone a long time without a serious injury and now hopefully he can afford to be less cautious. 

Switzerland, currently coached by Otmar Hitzfeld, have Xhaka as an integral part of their system now with high hopes for future Swiss campaigns. He was first called up after a fantastic league campaign where he was pivotal as Basel marched to the title in style. He too has a cultured left foot and vision to match that of Shaqiri. He was everywhere this Tuesday vs United and that was just a taster of what he has to offer. He was just as worthy of being there as any member of United's team, showing some absolute cracking qualitites. Tackling, passing, heading, he has it all.

The list does not end there amazingly. Another product of Basel's youth system caught all the headlines this week and deservedly so. Fabian Frei was key as Basel fought from 2-0 down to rescue a result. I among many others take great pleasure from the fact that he this alongside his countryman Alexander Frei to whom he is no relation. Also a standout performer as Basel dispatched Otelul in the last round of the Champions League, he got himself on the scoresheet that night too. He is currently being played to great effect in a striking role, perhaps a slight bit deeper than Alex Frei. The fact that he did show his finishing abilities versus Man United but also his vision and passing range for Alex Frei's first goal. 

Fabian Frei may have three more years under his belt, turning 22 earlier this year, but he will still have a lot of big clubs putting him on their radar as we speak. His calmness and quality combined make a very good young footballer who could well be on the verge of big things.

This group has drawn a lot of attention, hype and unecessary comparisons, but they have taken it all in their stride. It's hard to put into words how incredible Basel are to produce youngsters with such style and skill, but I'm applauding them for it. I'm excited about what the future holds, for these three, for Basel and for Switzerland.