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 ...