Football’s hot property – Six bright talents

Yann Sommer

Yann Sommer (FC Basel – Goalkeeper)

At 24, we arrive at the oldest player on the list. This Swiss-born keeper is already well established for both his club and country. 72 appearances for one of Switzerland’s top clubs, captain of the country’s U21 team that reached the finals of the U21 European Championship without conceding a goal and with four caps to the Swiss senior team, Sommer is more valuable than many realize.

Although what he’s achieved already in his career is quite impressive, it’s what he hasn’t that should really interest teams. Being a keeper often draws upon the mental aspect of the game more than other positions.

A keeper has to understand that eventually, he will let a goal in. Sommer’s impressive Euro U21 scoreless streak ended in the finals – against Spain – where his side lost 2-0.

The ever present quandary with young keepers is whether or not to treat with kid gloves or baptize by fire. Sommer has seemed to take the latter approach which means a move to a bigger club won’t be too much of a challenge for his well-tested abilities.